Flux enhancement using now reversal in ultrafiltration

The effect of flow reversal on permeate flux in cross-flow ultrafiltration of bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been investigated experimentally. BSA is a well-studied model solute in membrane filtration known for its fouling an d concentration polarization capabilities. Ultrafiltration experiments were performed with BSA feed solutions in a hollow-fiber membrane module. The B SA feed concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 5 wt% and were ultrafiltered at a transmembrane pressure of 20 psia. Permeate flux was determined both with and without the use of flow reversal for each concentration. The experimen tal results indicate that under flow reversal conditions, the permeate flux is enhanced significantly when compared with runs without flow reversal. T he effect of flow reversal on flux enhancement is very pronounced for dilut e BSA solutions.