An experimental assessment of centrifugal membrane separation using spiral wound RO membrane elements Original Research Article

The influence of the rotating environment created in a centrifugal membrane separation (CMS) system on the performance of commercial spiral wound RO membrane elements has been examined. In CMS the membrane elements are located at the periphery of a centrifuge rotor. The spinning action develops the process pressure and alters the fluid flow pattern within the element due to Coriolis and centripetal acceleration. CMS has been shown to improve performance of a small-scale plate and frame element by reducing concentration polarization and fouling. The current study probes the benefits of spinning commercial spiral wound RO membrane elements in a radial orientation. Mechanical element stability at over 3000 `gʹ has been demonstrated as well as concentration polarization reduction and fouling alleviation. Results also indicate that rotation induced secondary flows are more effective in reducing concentration polarization than increasing cross-flow velocities for the non-rotating condition.