Advanced membrane technology for biomass separation

• Main Author: Lee, Dee
• Other Authors: Wang Rong
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Engineering::Environmental engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/172488
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Membrane technologies has been gaining popularity across industries due to its diversified application. While previous studies have shown the potential of membrane separation process and the capabilities of advance membrane technology over conventional separation methods throughout some industries, its application in aquaculture processes has yet to mature. This study focus on evaluating the operational conditions of membrane system in a closed loop setup to harvest biomass. The effects of operating pressure, physical cleaning duration, and chemical cleaning agents on the water permeability of the membrane during filtration process and the membrane water permeability recovery after carrying out physical and chemical cleaning were investigated. Findings indicated in the initial cycle, a higher pressure could concentrate microalgae biomass to higher extent but would result in greater decline in membrane performance over subsequent filtration cycles. Contrary to assumptions, longer physical cleaning time do not provide significant improvement in membrane performance as a result of irreversible fouling. In addition, further improvement of membrane performance was attained through chemical cleaning with 0.4% w/w sodium hypochlorite. To further improve the membrane performance in microalgae filtration process, more trials would be needed to study the interaction and effects between microalgae and membranes.