AWWA MTC69765

This powerpoint presentation begins by providing a brief overview of two types of pressure drop, feed spacer channel and transmembrane, and the effect of biomass accumulation on pressure drop. Topics presented include: development of pressure drop, flux and fouling; the need for a monitor; membrane fouling simulator; fouling analysis - comparison full scale vs test rig vs MFS; effect of linear velocity at constant nutrient load; observations from practice; NMR / MRI - a potential powerful tool; pressure drop increase; 2D images and velocity profiles during biofilm accumulation; and, influence spacer presence on pressure drop development. Presentation conclusions indicate the following: membrane biofouling can be studied using membrane fouling simulator - representative, sensitive, fast and early detection; pressure drop (increase) must be focus of research - effect accumulated biomass on pressure drop (increase) affected by hydrodynamic conditions; restricted biomass has big impact on velocity field; and, pressure drop (increase) is feed spacer problem. Includes figures.