Membrane filtration with multiple fouling mechanisms

Manufacturers of membrane filters have an interest in optimizing the internal pore structure of the membrane to achieve the most efficient filtration. As filtration occurs, the membrane becomes fouled by impurities in the feed solution, and any model of filter performance must account for this. In this work, we present a simplified mathematical model, which (i) characterizes membrane internal pore structure via permeability or resistance gradients in the depth of the membrane; (ii) accounts for multiple simultaneous membrane fouling mechanisms (adsorption, blocking and cake formation); (iii) defines a measure of filter performance; and (iv) for given operating conditions, is able to predict the optimum permeability or resistance profile for the chosen performance measure.