Journal Article

FZJ-2021-02377

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Silica Fouling in Reverse Osmosis Systems–Operando Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Studies

Pipich, V.FZJ* ; Starc, T.FZJ* ; Buitenhuis, J.FZJ* ; Kasher, R. ; Petry, W.FZJ* ; Oren, Y. ; Schwahn, D. (Corresponding author)FZJ*

2021
MDPI Basel

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/27901  doi:10.3390/membranes11060413

Abstract: We present operando small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments on silica fouling at two reverse osmose (RO) membranes under almost realistic conditions of practiced RO desalination technique. To its realization, two cells were designed for pressure fields and tangential feed cross-flows up to 50 bar and 36 L/h, one cell equipped with the membrane and the other one as an empty cell to measure the feed solution in parallel far from the membrane. We studied several aqueous silica dispersions combining the parameters of colloidal radius, volume fraction, and ionic strength. A relevant result is the observation of Bragg diffraction as part of the SANS scattering pattern, representing a crystalline cake layer of simple cubic lattice structure. Other relevant parameters are silica colloidal size and volume fraction far from and above the membrane, as well as the lattice parameter of the silica cake layer, its volume fraction, thickness, and porosity in comparison with the corresponding permeate flux. The experiments show that the formation of cake layer depends to a large extent on colloidal size, ionic strength and cross-flow. Cake layer formation proved to be a reversible process, which could be dissolved at larger cross-flow. Only in one case we observed an irreversible cake layer formation showing the characteristics of an unstable phase transition. We likewise observed enhanced silica concentration and/or cake formation above the membrane, giving indication of a first order liquid–solid phase transformation.

Keyword(s): Earth, Environment and Cultural Heritage (1st) ; Industrial Application (2nd)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Neutronenstreuung (JCNS-1)
2. Biomakromolekulare Systeme und Prozesse (IBI-4)
3. JCNS-FRM-II (JCNS-FRM-II)
4. Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ)
5. JCNS-4 (JCNS-4)

Research Program(s):

1. 524 - Molecular and Cellular Information Processing (POF4-524) (POF4-524)
2. 6G4 - Jülich Centre for Neutron Research (JCNS) (FZJ) (POF4-6G4) (POF4-6G4)
3. 632 - Materials – Quantum, Complex and Functional Materials (POF4-632) (POF4-632)
4. 5241 - Molecular Information Processing in Cellular Systems (POF4-524) (POF4-524)

Experiment(s):

1. KWS-3: Very small angle scattering diffractometer with focusing mirror (NL3auS)

Appears in the scientific report 2021

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