Abstract:
The aim of this research is to study Ultrafiltration process for treating the oily-wastewater. Two different physical characteristics (cutting oil and palm oil-emulsion) were investigated. The optimal operating condition was determined, as well as, the fouling mechanisms by applying the Hermias model and the surface filtration equation. Furthermore, the effect of various chemical washing was analyzed in order to propose the appropriate method for membrane fouling recovery. The results showed that the UF membrane can effectively treat the oily-wastewater with efficiency of 95%. The optimal operating condition obtained in this study was at concentration of 1 g/l, TMP of 2.5 Bar and cross-flow velocity equal to 0.24 m/s. By applying the mathematic models, the cake formation fouling mechanisms can be proven. Moreover, 0.32 of cake porosity and 3.14 µm thickness cake layer were calculated. The increase of TMP and inlet oil concentration can enhance the specific cake resistance (α) and fouling resistance (R[subscript f]).On the other hand, the increase of cross flow velocity leads to decreasing α and R[subscript f] values. The membrane washing was conducted and compared by means of the flux recovery (FR) and the resistance removal (RR). The highest FR and RR values of 96% and 55%, respectively, were obtained from the combining (SDS, NaOH, and EDTA) chemical cleaning agent.