Magnetic field on fouling control of ultrafiltration membranes applied in treatment of a synthetic textile effluent

Membrane performance is decreased by fouling, reducing permeate flux and membrane lifespan. This paper assesses ultrafiltration of a model textile effluent assisted by permanent magnetic field as an alternative to improve the water permeability recovery. Ultrafiltration was performed in a tangential module and model solutions, composed of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and sodium sulphate (Na2SO4). The feed was permeated through 30 kDa polysulphone membrane with and without the presence of a permanent magnetic field of 0.41 T, perpendicular to the membrane surface. Magnetic induction (MI) of feed solution was also investigated by recirculation of the feed stream through the magnetic field for 3 h. The increase in feed concentration did not affect permeate flux, while the presence of salt resulted in a severe flux decline. Effective water permeability recovery was obtained when the magnetic field was applied in the ultrafiltration process, although the MI of the CMC and Na2SO4 solutions also caused some enhancement in permeability recovery. Scanning electron microscopy images showed differences between the assays done with and without the presence of magnetic field. The magnetic field application in ultrafiltration of CMC and Na2SO4 solutions has proved to be an attractive alternative for improving the permeability recovery.