A hybrid PAC/MF system for oily wastewater treatment using Mullite and Mullite-Alumina membrane

The laboratory-scale microfiltration (MF) experiments were conducted to determine the effect of the presence of powdered activated carbon (PAC) on the MF process performance, in terms of flux decline and membrane fouling. Mullite and mullite-alumina membranes were used in the MF experiments. PAC is considered as an effective adsorbent and is generally used in the pretreatment step, prior to membrane operation or in combination with membrane in the same tank. PAC was added prior to MF and the dosages were in the range of 100–1200 ppm. The process was carried out in the cross-flow system. PAC particles are too large to block the membrane pores inside, they deposit on the membrane surface and partially can plug the surface pores. The experimental results demonstrate that in both membranes, PAC addition to the wastewater at low concentration (up to 400 ppm) leads to increase flux (for mullite 19.6 % and for mullite- alumina 61%) and for high PAC concentration lead to decreases flux (a tleast 22% for mullite and 25% for mullite- alumina)

A hybrid PAC/MF system for oily wastewater treatment using Mullite and Mullite-Alumina membrane Keywords:

Microfiltration , Ceramic membranes , PAC