Submicron powdered activated carbon used as a pre-coat in ceramic micro-filtration

• Published in: Desalination and water treatment Vol. 9; no. 1-3; pp. 86 - 91
• Main Authors: Heijman, S.G.J., Hamad, J.Z., Kennedy, M.D., Schippers, J., Amy, G.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: L'Aquila Elsevier Inc 01-09-2009; Desalination Publications
• Subjects: Activated carbon; Applied sciences; Biopolymers; Ceramic membranes; Ceramic powders; Ceramics; Drinking water and swimming-pool water. Desalination; Exact sciences and technology; Fouling; Membranes; Micro-pollutants; Microfiltration; Pollution; Powdered activated carbon; Pre-coat; Surface chemistry; Water treatment and pollution; Ceramic membranes; Micro-pollutants; Powdered activated carbon; Pre-coat; Organic matter; Fouling; Filtration; Membrane separation; Microfiltration; Adsorption; Flocculation reagent; Activated carbon; Flocculation; Biopolymer; Surface water; Physicochemical purification; Kinetics; Ceramic materials; Breakthrough curve
• ISSN: 1944-3986; 1944-3994; 1944-3986
• DOI: 10.5004/dwt.2009.755

The aim of the research is to show the bene fi ts of the use of submicron powdered activated carbon (SPAC) in combination with ceramic microfi ltration. The SPAC is applied to the surface as a pre-coat layer. The goals are to improve the removal of NOM and organic micro-pollutants. The SPAC pre-coat layer is also used to reduce fouling of the microfi ltration membrane (without the use of a coagulant). Additionally, virus removal might be increased by the SPAC-layer. The results are presented from laboratory scale experiments with fl at sheets membranes and from pilot experiments with a ceramic membrane module. The laboratory scale experiments show good results for NOM-removal and atrazine removal. Although the empty bed contact time is very short (>1 s), actual breakthrough curves are observed for these two components. The small particle size is benefi cial for the adsorption kinetics of the components. In laboratorys’ experiment, the SPAC also contributed to physical removal (straining) of biopolymers during the fi ltration of surface water. Because these biopolymers are removed before they can reach the membrane surface, we expect that the fouling of the ceramic membrane will decrease. However, we could not confi rm this in pilot experiment because the SPAC layer did not evenly coated the membrane surface or the SPAC was already fl occulated before being dosed to the membrane.