Self-Adaptive Control And Optimization Of Ultrafiltration

Summary

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular engineering have developed a novel UF-RO system.

Background

Ultrafiltration (UF) is the process of membrane-based removal of particles. It is used in a number of different industries such as food production, water treatment, desalination etc. In particular, in water treatment plants it is used as the first step before further treatment by reverse-osmosis (RO). The main drawback of current UF-RO plants are the need for backwashing at fixed intervals to clean the UF membrane and a separate tank to be used for backwashing. Together these issues add to recurrent maintenance costs.

Innovation

UCLA researchers have developed a novel UF-RO system that overcomes the drawbacks of current systems. They have developed an integrated UF-RO system that is self-adaptive. The UF membrane is continuously monitored for resistance and backwashing is automatically initiated upon reaching a threshold. The system uses the RO permeate and does not require a separate storage unit reducing operational and maintenance costs. In a field test for desalination the system improved the membrane performance from 16 to 143 days.

Applications

• Potable water treatment
• Waste water treatment
• Food industry
• Desalination

Advantages

• Real-time monitoring of membrane resistance using pressure and flow sensors.
• Automated backwashing upon reaching resistance threshold.
• Reduced maintenance cost
• xtended UF membrane performance from 16 to 143 days.
• Compatible with RO, microfiltration and nanofiltration uses.

State Of Development

Prototype developed and extensively tested in a field study

Related Materials

• Larry X. Gao, Anditya Rahardianto, Han Gu, Panagiotis D. Christofides, Yoram Cohen ‘Novel design and operational control of integrated ultrafiltration — Reverse osmosis system with RO concentrate backwash’ Desalination 2015

Patent Status