Effect of a hydrodynamic cleaning of a cross-flow membrane system with a novel automated approach

Abstract The effect of different hydraulic cleaning methods was investigated in terms of flux decline and resistance using the cross-flow UF unit. The use of varied production intervals, varied ratios of periodic relaxation and the use of a periodic high-rate crossflow were investigated. This cleaning method of relaxation followed by high-rate crossflow mainly removed the resistances of the concentration polarization and gel layer compared with weak adsorption resistance. The cleaning protocol utilizing a periodic relaxation step and/or a periodic increased cross-flow rate at a decreased pressure can lead to productivity improvements and an increase in the operational lifetime of the membrane. If the optimal frequency and duration of the cleaning step (1 h production–60 s relaxation–60 s crossflow) is used, a net productivity increase of 14.8% is achievable and a significant extension to the membrane's life results. However, a critical point of different cleaning intervals did exist. Utilizing the optimized periodic cleaning techniques developed in this study allows higher recovery rates for ultrafiltration to be achieved, without the problems of increased flux decline normally experienced when operating with high recovery rates.