Evaluation of Filtration-backwash Modes on Membrane Fouling Control for Activated Sludge Suspensions Treatment

Abstract

This study focused on the effects of three different filtration-backwash modes on membrane fouling control for various sludge suspensions treatment. A relatively slow flux decline profile showed that more frequent and shorter backwashing mode (Mode 1) had a less fouling tendency. Moreover, this mode possessed higher capacity to remove the reversible fouling with higher hydraulic cleaning efficiency (HCE) and lower hydraulically irreversible fouling index (HIFI). Typically, when fed with higher carbon-to-nitrogen ratio suspension (SBR6), the HCE value of Mode 1 was over twice as high as that of Mode 3 (less frequent and longer backwashing).