Ultrasonic-Assisted Cross-Flow Membrane Filtration for Latex Wastewater Treatment

https://doi.org/10.37547/ijaps.2024.113
Section: Articles Published Date: 2024-12-19 Pages: 11-15 Views: 1 Downloads: 2

Authors

  • Abdul Latif Ismail School of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
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Abstract

The treatment of latex wastewater presents significant challenges due to the high concentration of suspended solids, including polymer particles and other contaminants, which can lead to membrane fouling and decreased filtration efficiency. Conventional membrane filtration methods often face limitations in managing such fouling, which necessitates the development of more effective techniques. This study investigates the application of ultrasonic assistance to cross-flow membrane filtration as a means to enhance the treatment of latex wastewater.

The experimental setup involved a cross-flow membrane filtration system augmented with ultrasonic waves. The system utilized a ceramic membrane with a pore size optimized for retaining latex particles while allowing clean water to pass through. Ultrasonic transducers were integrated into the filtration unit to provide continuous wave generation aimed at reducing fouling and improving membrane performance. The study focused on evaluating key parameters such as flux rate, fouling rate, and overall treatment efficiency. The ultrasonic frequencies and intensities were varied to determine their effects on membrane performance and wastewater quality.

The results demonstrated a significant improvement in filtration efficiency with the integration of ultrasonic assistance. The ultrasonic waves effectively mitigated membrane fouling by preventing the accumulation of latex particles on the membrane surface, which is a common issue in traditional filtration processes. This led to a noticeable increase in flux rates and a reduction in the frequency of membrane cleaning required. The study observed that ultrasonic-assisted filtration achieved higher overall treatment efficiency compared to conventional cross-flow filtration, as evidenced by reduced total suspended solids and improved water quality.

Keywords

Ultrasonic-assisted,cross-flow membrane filtration, latex wastewater, wastewater treatment, membrane filtration, ultrasonic technology