Darunee Bhongsuwan, Tripob Bhongsuwan, and Jamras Na-Suwan

pp. 999 - 1007

Abstract

A dead-end type membrane stirred cell for an RO filtration test has been designed and constructed. Magnetic stirring system is applied to overcome a pressure-induced concentration polarization
occurred over a membrane surface in the test cell. A high pressure N2
 tank is used as a pressure source.
Feed container is designed for 2.5
l feed solution and a stirred cell volume is 0.5
l . The test cell holds a
magnetic stirrer freely moved over the membrane surface. All units are made of stainless steel. A porous
SS316L disc is used as a membrane support. The dead-end stirred cell is tested to work properly in an
operating pressure ranged 0 - 400 psi. It means that the dead-end cell can be used to test a membrane of
different filtration modes, from micro- to Reverse Osmosis filtration. Tests performed at 400 psi for 3 hours
are safe but tests at a 500 psi increase leakage possibility.
The cell is used to test the performance of both commercial and laboratory-made membranes. It
shows that the salt rejection efficiency of the nano- and RO membranes, NTR759HR and LES90, determined by using the new test cell, is closely similar to those reported from the manufacture. Result of the tests
for our own laboratory-made membrane shows a similar performance to the nanofiltration membrane LES90.