Application of mathematical models to the calculation of ultrafiltration flux in water treatment

The study shows the results of studies concerning the hydraulic permeability of ultrafiltration and hybrid in-line coagulation–UF (without sedimentation) systems during the treatment of water containing higher concentrations of organic matter. The calculation of UF permeability was made employing a model in a non-stationary process based on the change of the volume permeate flux over time, determining the time constant t0 and a resistance model analyzing the resistance caused by the interaction of membrane–water contaminants, determining the constant tRO. The tests were conducted using a seven-channel ceramic membrane, cut-off 15 kDa. It has been found that the models adequately characterize both direct UF and the hybrid system, and the calculated values fit the experimental results.