Membrane Fouling Simulator System

Fig 1: Cross sectional view of a single flow cell for the membrane fouling simulator system
Fig 2: A diagram of a single flow cell from the membrane fouling simulator system, fully assembled

Project Summary: In this project, we study the mechanisms of dynamic membrane fouling, focusing on potential fouling mitigation methods, such as backwashing and relaxation. This research utilizes a fouling simulator system, which consists of 6 flow cells each containing a sample of dynamic membrane, and each attached to their own bioreactor. Each cell also includes a viewing window, which allows in situ imaging of the membrane using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). When connected to the bioreactors, groups of cells can be operated under different flow or backwashing conditions. This allows us to relate operating conditions to fouling rates (by measuring transmembrane pressure and flow rates) and aspects of the membrane structure (quantified using OCT imaging and extracellular polymeric substance extractions). This simulator can test many potential fouling mitigation strategies. Of particular interest are the impact of backwashing frequency on extracellular polymeric substance production, the impact of relaxation on extracellular polymeric substance production, and the impact of pressure thresholds on dynamic membrane resistance.

PIs: Lut Raskin and Steve Skerlos

PhD student lead: Renata Starostka

Undergrads: Evan Zalek, Olivia Sherman, Clara Liao, Mónica Paola Balboa Villarreal, Tushaar Kapoor, Celtica Jimenez, Edna Zumaya Flores

ME450 Design Team: Havel Liu, Madison Bryce, Tess Mello, Vasil Iakimovitch

Special thanks to the CEE Technicians who helped build the system!

Funding Source: Department of Energy/ Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy/ Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office 

Presentations:

Villarreal, M., Starostka, R., Raskin, L., Skerlos, S. “Analysis of Fouling in Flow Cells Simulating Anaerobic Dynamic Membrane Bioreactors (AnDMBRs)”. [SURE Symposium poster presentation]. Ann Arbor, MI, US.

Starostka, R.; Skerlos, S.; Raskin, L. (2025) “Dynamic Membrane Fouling Simulator for Low-Energy Biological Wastewater Treatment” [Poster Presentation] AEESP, Durham, NC, United States.

Starostka, R., Song, H., Giammalvo, K., Fairley-Wax, T., Raskin, L., Skerlos, S. (2023) “Developing the Parallel In-situ Dynamic Membrane Analysis System (PIDMAS)” [Poster]. 26th Triennial Borchardt Conference, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.