Overview

Biofouling has been called the ‘Achilles heel of membrane processes’ by one of its early investigators [1]. Biofouling can be defined as the ‘undesired deposition and growth of microorganisms on surfaces, forming biofilms’ [2]. The formation of biofilms on membrane surfaces might cause an increase in hydraulic resistance and, in that way, change costs and efficiency of the separation process. Once a certain ‘threshold of interference’ is exceeded, and the biofilm starts to cause problems, we speak about biofouling.

In this presentation, firstly, the causes of biofouling are discussed. What are the factors determining whether biofouling on membranes occurs? Then, how do we characterise biofouling? Some techniques, like pressure drop measurements in a Membrane Fouling Simulator (MFS) or optical coherence tomography (OCT), will briefly be discussed. Finally, once there is biofouling, how do we get rid of it? This can be done by changing the feed water composition, by adapting the process conditions, or by changing the membrane- or spacer properties (eg by surface modification).

Speaker

Antoine Kemperman, Researcher, University of Twente

Antoine is a senior researcher with more than 30 years of experience in Membrane Science and Technology. He started his membrane career in the manufacturing of membranes and their characterisation. Currently, he is focusing on the use of membrane and hybrid processes in water purification, for wastewater treatment, as well as for the production of drinking water. For one day a week, he is a senior advisor at Wetsus, The European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology (Leeuwarden).

The material presented has not been peer-reviewed. Any opinions are the presenters' own and do not necessarily represent those of IChemE or the North Lancashire Member Group. The information is given in good faith but without any liability on the part of IChemE.