Effect of operating conditions on microfiltration of an oil–water emulsion by a kaolin membrane
T . Mohammadi, A . Pak, M . Karbassian, M . Golshan
Abstract
The main problem in treating oil in water emulsions by membrane technologies is fouling caused by oil adsorption on the membrane surface. Among these technologies, microfiltration has been used in many fields of oil–water emulsions. The effect of operating conditions on a microfilter (home made) with a maximum pore size of 10 µm was investigated. The results show that by increasing temperature and pressure, the flux factor increases. Also, by increasing oil content, the membrane is fouled rapidly but not significantly and the flux factor decreases. Increasing volumetric flow rate causes an increasing flux factor. While most polymeric membranes are susceptible to fouling, this membrane is not.