CERAMIC CROSS-FLOW MICROFILTRATION IN THE PRESENCE OF INSERTS

The influence of inserts with various configurations on permeate flux through a tubular ceramic microfiltration membrane was studied. The co mmercial metal-working oil emulsion was used in the experiments. A mor e extensive study of the effect of shear rate on permeate flux was mad e by comparing the steady-state flux of the empty tube system and the system with inserts. The cross-flow microfiltration with inserts was f ound to be simple and effective. Analysing experimental results, it wa s concluded that the introduction of inserts, irrespective of their co nfigurations, resulted in a significant increase in permeate flux comp ared with results obtained in the empty tube system. The interruption of formation of a boundary layer by the inserts is attributed to mixin g and migration of rejected particles from the membrane surface.