PERFORMANCE OF NEW GENERATION CERAMIC MEMBRANES USING HYBRID COAGULATION PRETREATMENT

Abstract

Historically, the use of microfiltration/ultrafiltration for drinking water and wastewater treatment has been almost exclusively focused on polymeric membranes. New generation ceramic membranes have been recently introduced in the market, which possess unique advantages over currently available polymeric membranes. Ceramic membranes are mechanically superior to polymeric membranes and are more resistant to severe chemical and thermal environments. As a result, ceramic membranes can perform more efficiently than existing polymeric membranes under more rigorous operation conditions. Ceramic membranes are able to operate at higher filtration flux, higher feedwater recoveries, have more efficient backwash operation using high pressures, operate at extended backwash intervals and have low chemical cleaning requirements, while experiencing long membrane life without breakage. This paper presents results of one of the first pilot studies in the U.S. designed to investigate the application of new generation ceramic membranes for surface water treatment.