Standardized Membrane Pore Size Characterization by Polyethylene Glycol Rejection
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 128, Issue 5
Abstract
The objective of this research was to provide information toward standardization of a method for determining and describing the pore size distribution of ultrafiltration or nanofiltration membranes. Currently, pore size distribution testing is not standardized, making membrane selection to achieve treatment objectives difficult at best. The method utilized in this work provides a standard testing procedure as well as a pair of descriptors and the tightness coefficient) that provide needed information about the membrane pore sizes and pore size distribution. The method requires minimal equipment and no specialized knowledge. Determination of both and the tightness coefficient allows direct comparison of mean pore size and pore size distribution of membranes on a standardized basis. The pore size distribution of three membranes was determined under varying solution and pressure conditions by measuring the solute rejection for various sizes of polyethylene glycol molecules in the range of 600 to 35,000 daltons. The method can be replicated and the results are independent of the process variables of pressure and solution characteristics within the region likely to be encountered in drinking water treatment.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 128 • Issue 5 • May 2002
Pages: 399 - 407
Copyright
Copyright © 2002 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 31, 2000
Accepted: Oct 25, 2001
Published online: Apr 15, 2002
Published in print: May 2002
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