Prediction of permeate flux and counterion binding during cross-flow micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration

Experiments were carried out for removal of copper and calcium ions (single component as well as binary mixture) from aqueous solution using micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF) in a cross-flow system. Micelles of anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were used. The permeate flux was predicted using gel layer controlling model. The effects of concentration of cations on the gel concentration of SDS micelles were quantified. The model was extended to the prediction of permeate flux of the binary mixture of Cu2+ and Ca2+, as well. The extent of counterion binding of the single component as well as the mixture was quantified using localized adsorption model. The parameters of the adsorption isotherms were estimated using non-linear regression analysis of the experimental data.