Investigation on the effect of flocculants on the filtration behavior in microfiltration of fine particles Original Research Article

Flocculated particles can form a highly porous filtration cake and prevent the deposition of particles on the membrane in combination with crosflow micro filtration, which would enable a higher permeate flux [8]. Using this concept, a study was carried out to investigate the possibility of using flocculants to enhance the permeate flux in micro filtration of fine particles. The study consists of several experimental series involving the various flocculants, changes in the suspensions pH value and different stirring rates. Promising results, indicating that interactions between membrane—particle—flocculant, which can cause complicated effects on the permeate flux, were obtained. The option of using flocculants to increase permeate flux is also indicated.