FOULING CONTROL IN MEMBRANE FILTRATION PROCESSES

摘要

The present invention provides a tunable, magnetically induced vibration system for fouling control in membrane filtration processes. A variable magnetic flux, generated by an electromagnet, acts directly or indirectly (via a magnetic or paramagnetic vibration rod tightly linked to the membrane element or module) on a (magnetic) membrane, membrane frame or membrane element, thus inducing its vibration. The vibration enhances shear-rate of the fluid to be separated near the membrane surface to control fouling in-situ without interrupting the filtration process, thus increasing membrane fluxes, reducing the down time of operation and reducing the cleaning frequency.