Analysis of axial fouling characteristics in hollow fiber membrane module

Based on the characteristics of non-uniform distribution on hollow fiber membrane fouling, this study investigated the membrane fouling characteristics with experimental methods. The results indicate that the membranes fouling on different position of hollow fiber is different with Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) analysis. Membrane fouling is transferred from the outlet end to the other end and the fouling would redistribute continually, showing non-uniform distribution and staged change in the filtration process. The hollow fiber membrane fouling model in the filtration process was established on Navier-Stokes equation and hydraulic theories. According to comparative analysis of calculated and measured values, it shows the membrane fouling model could reflect the characteristics of membrane fouling tendency in some degree.