Application of mathematical models to the calculation of ultrafiltration flux in water treatment Original Research Article

The study shows the results of studies concerning the hydraulic permeability of ultrafiltration and hybrid in-line coagulation–UF (without sedimentation) systems during the treatment of water containing higher concentrations of organic matter. The calculation of UF permeability was made employing a model in a non-stationary process based on the change of the volume permeate flux over time, determining the time constant t0 and a resistance model analyzing the resistance caused by the interaction of membrane–water contaminants, determining the constant tRO. The tests were conducted using a seven-channel ceramic membrane, cut-off 15 kDa. It has been found that the models adequately characterize both direct UF and the hybrid system, and the calculated values fit the experimental results.