Electro-acoustic crossflow microfiltration

Results from an experimental study of field assisted crossflow microfiltration are presented. It was found that both electric and ultrasonic fields, either in isolation or in combination, can reduce membrane fouling by an amount dependent on the applied field strengths, acoustic frequency, suspension concentration, liquid viscosity, particle size and particle surface charge. Synergistic effects were observed when the fields were applied simultaneously. When force fields are used in microfiltration lower crossflow velocities can be employed. This implies that pumping costs, heat transfer in recirculation loops and the degradation of shear sensitive streams can be substantially reduced.