Mesoscale Simulations of Particle Rejection by Microfiltration Membranes with Straight Cylindrical Pore during Pressure-Driven Dead-End Filtration

Abstract

Mesoscale simulations of particle rejection by a microfiltration membrane during pressure-driven, dead-end filtration were carried out using a “SNAP” (Structure of NAnoParticles) simulator. We demonstrate that surface porosity and the ratio of particle to pore diameter (d/d^m) strongly affect particle transport and rejection behaviors. Two subsequent fouling modes, characterized by differing fouling origins, are described and the fouling dynamics are discussed in detail. In the first case, fouling begins on the front of the membrane and the cake layer is formed when the surface porosity is low and when d/d^m is high. In the second case, fouling begins on the back of the membrane and pore clogging evolves when the surface porosity is high and d/d^m is low. We also demonstrate that flux profiles depend on the fouling mode.