Dynamic Membrane Fouling Mitigation for Wastewater Treatment Applications

Abstract

Dynamic membrane technology has the potential to filter waste streams at low costs, using meshes combined with a biofilm layer to filter solids from waste streams. Fouling occurs when there is excess buildup of microorganisms and solids, clogging the mesh pores and reducing flux through the membrane. In existing food waste filtration systems, fouling mitigation is a key bottleneck, reducing productivity by requiring the system to pause for manual cleaning. We are designing an automated in-situ foulant mitigation system to increase net flux while maintaining physical filtration quality, serving as a cost-effective alternative to conventional filtration systems.