Innovative methods for backwashing filter membranes

This project seeks to improve membrane systems used in water and waste management. The aim of the project is to achieve higher efficiency of the separation processes and to minimise the amount of chemical waste. The project focuses on the research and development of innovative and efficient methods of chemically assisted backflushing (CEB), which is applied at regular intervals or after exceeding a set transmembrane pressure value in the operation of microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes. During the application of CEB, combinations of standard chemical agents (hydrogen peroxide solution, sodium hypochlorite solution, organic or inorganic acid solutions) augmented by very innovative and so far little tested methods in the form of plasma activated water, ozone and UV radiation will be tested. Appropriate combinations of chemical and innovative methods will also be tested to maximise the effectiveness of CEB. After validation of the selected chemically assisted backwashing methods at laboratory scale, the innovative methods will be tested in a semi-operational containerised membrane wastewater treatment plant. These new membrane cleaning methods will be more environmentally and membrane friendly, increasing their application potential.