Innovative fouling control by intermittent back-ozonation in metal membrane micro filtration system

The effect of intermittent back-ozonation for the keeping of high permeation flux in a metal membrane filtration system has been investigated. Internal back flushing with ozone gas (Back-ozonation) was more effective than other conventional fouling reduction methods. Through the experimental period with back-ozonation, average permeation flux showed more than 2.0 (m³/m²/day). Permeation flux was recovered up to 90% of initial flux with 0.27 (mgO₃/cm³/cycle) of ozone injection rate. Among operational parameters, the degree of flux recovery was more sensitive to the change of ozone concentration (C) than ozone gas flow rate (Q) or injection time (T). Optimal operational values including ozone concentration (C), ozone gas flow rate (Q) and injection time (T) were 20.2 (mgO₃/L), 3.1 (L/min) and 2.1 (min), respectively, for satisfying 90% of flux recovery. Intermittent back ozonation was thought to be an innovative and feasible technology for fouling reduction and the high permeation flux in a metal membrane filtration system.