Application of an Electric Field for the Reduction of Particle and Colloidal Membrane Fouling in Crossflow Microfiltration

In crossflow microfiltration applications, the solution to be treated is generally made up of a wide range of particles and colloids. The presence of colloids complicates this process due to its intrinsic characteristics such as high surface charge, high stability, high specific surface area, and relative small size in comparison to the membrane pores. This permits them to create a film of colloids on the external and internal membrane surface due to the interfacial phenomenon effects (electrokinetic and adsorption). This colloidal fouling plays a significant role in increasing the resistance to the filtration flux in comparison to the external membrane fouling created only by the panicles. The application of an electric field helps to reduce the membrane fouling due to colloids and particles, and thus results in an eventual improvement of the filtration flux.