MICELLAR ENHANCED ULTRAFILTRATION FOR RECOVERY AND CONCENTRATION OF TRICHLOROETHYLENE IN GROUNDWATER; FINAL REPT. 1 JUL 91-31 DEC 91

The objective of this experimental investigation was to determine the feasability of micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF) and vacuum stripping process in concentrating and separating trichloroethylene (TCE) from contaminated groundwater. The theory is to add surfactant to the contaminated groundwater to form micelles which bind the TCE molecules. The micelles containing the TCE are then removed by ultrafiltration using a spiral-wound membrane. To remove the TCE from the surfactant, this concentrated solution is vacuum stripped and the surfactant is recycled back to each MEUF stage. Properties such as membrane flux, solubilization equilibrium constant, molecular weight, and Krafft temperature were used to determine the appropriate surfactant. Design calculations were performed to estimate the performance of the vacuum stripper and the approximate number of MEUF units needed to remove 99+ percent of the TCE. Based on these feasability studies, preliminary cost estimates of applying this technology were calculated to be approximately the same cost as current established technology. Several recommendations for improving and optimizing the performance of this technology were made.