Membrane ultrafiltration for oil-from-water separation: Multidisciplinary lab experiment

Abstract

An ultrafiltration membrane module was assembled and used for treating an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion. This lab set-up was implemented to teach membrane separation processes within Chemical or Environmental Engineering programmes. The experimental set-up and procedure are described, as well as typical results obtained by students, underlining the main objectives and reasoning expected to be accomplished in each stage of the work. Particular emphasis is given to the discussion of the impact of some variables, such as pressure driving force, surface velocity and emulsion concentration, on concentration polarization, recovery and rejection. The use of this technology at an industrial scale is also discussed. The implemented lab experiment has a relevant pedagogic impact and facilitates students to grasp the inherent theoretical concepts, as perceived from their reports and oral discussions. Moreover, the work has been well accepted and appreciated by students, as can be inferred from the questionnaire; their assessment also showed the fulfilment of the established technical and pedagogic objectives. Particularly relevant is the importance that students attribute to the execution of the experimental work to comprehend the concepts (i.e. importance of a hands-on approach).