EFFECTS OF SURFACE FORCE INTERACTIONS ON AN NF/UF MEMBRANE

Appreciation of a membrane's surface chemistry and steric exclusion character is needed to truly understand and predict membrane performance for specific industrial separations. The interpreter of membrane characterization data must consider both factors in the assessment of separation potential. The test conditions employed will strongly influence the separation data outcome, as will inherent surface force interactions between the membrane and solution components. SEPA CF cell solute challenges and affinity chromatography methods are useful tools to characterize the pore size and surface character of ultrafiltration and nanofiltration membranes. The characterization data presented demonstrate the separation potential of B-type membranes. For example, the combination of the B-type membrane surface charge and pore size affords economical separations of salts from organics. The anionic surface charge of B-type membranes also makes them competitive for high fouling applications. Dye concentration, paper pulp waste treatment and similar applications appear promising for B-type membranes where traditional membranes are not well suited.