Ultrafiltration of oil-in-water emulsion: Flux enhancement with static mixer

Abstract

Conventional methods of oily emulsion separation are not effective in removing small oil droplets and emulsions, especially if the emulsion is stable and the oil concentration is low. This paper deals with the oil removal from oil-in-water emulsion by an ultrafiltration membrane under different operating conditions of a novel flux enhancement method. Separation of oily water and wastewater by membrane filtration is a well-known process. Generally, because of heavy concentration polarization and membrane fouling, a single-stage membrane process is not economical and usually does not provide satisfying results in retention. In our experiments, 20 nm pore size ceramic tubular membranes were used. In order to reduce concentration polarization and membrane fouling, the use of static turbulence promoters, such as rods, differently shaped inserts and static mixers, has been considered during cross-flow ultrafiltration and microfiltration with different fluids. Helix-like plastic static turbulence promoter was installed in the experimental apparatus.