Task 9- Centrifugal Membrane Filtration. Semiannual report, November 1, 1996--March 31, 1997

Abstract

The overall project consists of several integrated research phases related to the applicability, continued development, demonstration, and commercialization of the SpinTek centrifugal membrane filtration process. This phase of work is a continuation of the Phase 1 evaluation of the SpinTek centrifugal membrane filtration technology. During Phase 1 testing conducted at the EERC using the SpinTek ST-IIL unit operating on a surrogate tank waste, a solids cake developed on the membrane surface. Solids cake development was observed where linear membrane velocities were less than 17.5 feet per second and resulted in a reduction of unobstructed membrane surface area of up to 25%, reducing overall filtration performance. The primary goal of the Phase 2 research effort is to enhance filtration performance through the development and testing of alternative designs of the turbulence promoters to generate a shear force across the entire membrane surface that is sufficient to maintain a self-cleaning membrane capability and improve filtration efficiency and long term performance. Specific Phase 2 research activities include the following: System modifications to accommodate an 11-inch-diameter, two-disk rotating membrane assembly. Development and fabrication of alternative designs to the existing turbulence promoters. *Testing and evaluation of the existing and alternative turbulence promoters under selected operating conditions using a statistically designed test matrix Data reduction and analysis