EFFECT OF SUSPENDED PARTICLES ON ULTRAFIL TRATION MEMBRANE

The effect of suspended particles on the tubular membrane filtration o f dextran solutions is studied, and the permeation flux is measured. I n the case of operation with a horizontal membrane module, the permeat ion flux decreases with increasing particle concentration for low flui d circulation rates, and for high circulation rates it increases with particle concentration. On the other hand, in case of the up-flow oper ation with a vertical membrane, the permeation flux increases with par ticle concentration for all circulation flow rates. The mechanism of t he effect of particles on the permeation flux is discussed based on th e behavior of particles in a tubular liquid flow.