Characterization of biofouling with 3D-printed spacers using 3D optical coherence tomography

• Main Author: Chung, Ling Hao
• Other Authors: Chong Tzyy Haur
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Environmental engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/77845
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Biofouling in membrane filtration is a common occurrence which impedes the efficiency of the separation process. By looking into the biofouling mechanisms via the observation of a filtration process, potential problems can be addressed and resolved. This study uses optical coherence tomography (OCT) to investigate the effects of using different 3D-printed spacers on the biofouling process. A compilation of OCT scans of a representative unit cell of each spacer was taken as a function of time to generate 3D-images showing the morphology of a foulant layer. Through the usage of various quantitative analysing methods (such as EIS, DOTM and etc), the development of a foulant layer was obtained. Thus, showing the various biofouling mechanisms involved in a biofouling process.