Validation and optimization of a new instrument for measuring the performances of ultrafiltration membranes

Abstract

In this study, we introduce the current situation of the membrane inspection industry. We have developed a new integrated rapid membrane inspection machine (MIM) to test the performances of nanofiltration or ultrafiltration membranes by measuring the silt density index (SDI) value (i.e., the key performance indicator) of the water filtered. This study optimizes many key conditions include temperature, pH value and pressures, then establishes a new SDI detection method of ultrafiltration membranes by using MIM. We set the temperature of the test liquid to 25 °C, pH in the range of 7–8, and pressure to approximately 0.10 MPa. The results reflect that MIM can be used to effectively determine the SDI of ultrafiltration membranes using the new method and the results of the method validation are satisfactory. HIGHLIGHTS A new integrated rapid membrane inspection machine (MIM) is developed.; The performances are reported of ultrafiltration membranes by measuring silt density index (SDI) value.; By optimizing the conditions, we established a new SDI detection method of ultrafiltration membranes by using MIM.; The new method is efficient and accurate.; MIM can be used in ultrafiltration or nanofiltration in the future, and can also be used to determine the water flux and desalination rate of membranes.;

Keywords

• membrane inspection machine (mim)
• optimization
• performance testing
• silt density index (sdi)
• ultrafiltration membrane (uf)
• validation