The application of saw-tooth promoter for flat sheet membrane filtration

A novel saw-tooth turbulence promoter was developed to improve the filtration performance of flat sheet membrane module (FSMM). The flux improvement mechanism was investigated through flow field test by particle image velocimetry (PIV). Results showed that the vortex produced by saw-tooth promoter intensified the mixing of fluid, which was favorable for the back transport of particles. Membrane shear rates in saw-tooth membrane modules (STMMs) were above 1.98 times higher than that in normal flat sheet membrane module. Particle deposition on membrane surface was effectively retarded. Flux improvement was verified by microfiltration of SiC suspension. Results showed that compared to the normal filtration method, saw-tooth promoter can improve the flux by 115.7%-258.0%, with a reduction of specific energy consumption above 33.8%. It was demonstrated that the saw-tooth promoter can improve filtration performance of flat sheet membrane module through flow field intensification. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.