Ultrafiltration of hydrosoluble polymers. : Effect of operating conditions on the performance of the membrane

Two sulfonated polyvinylidene fluoride membranes of different porosity, prepared by the casting and gelation technique, were tested in an ultrafiltration laboratory-scale pilot plant with hydrosoluble polymer feed solutions. Polyethyleneglycols and dextrans of different average molecular weight were used as solutes for the feed solutions. Flux and rejection of the membranes were determined as functions of operating conditions (pressure, temperature and recirculation rate). The effect of properties of feed solutions (solute, concentration and molecular weight) on the performance of the membranes was also investigated.