Theory 052/Water & Sanitation
Fouling Begins Below Critical Flux
The claim
Membrane fouling is set by the ratio of operating flux to critical flux rather than by transmembrane pressure.
01The mechanism
Below critical flux, deposition is reversible; above it, a cake forms that pressure cannot remove.
02Predictions
- P1Fouling should begin above the critical ratio.
- P2Higher pressure should worsen fouling above it.
03Refutation
Fouling tracking pressure would remove the flux threshold.