ABSTRACT
In crossflow microfiltration (CMF), the fluid to be filtered flows parallel to the membrane surface, i.e., crossflow with respect to the flow of the permeate. The crossflow reduces the formation of a filter cake and keeps it at a low level, thus ensuring constant filter conditions and, hence, permeate flow. In MF, the membrane has a microporous structure and separates particles according to the size of pores, from a liquid or a gas phase. MF membranes based on inorganic materials have recently been put on the market and are now being tested in specific applications. The porosity of these membranes is much lower than that of polymer membranes, but their thermal stability enables them to be used at high temperatures. In contrast to ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, the retained matter in MF is mostly colloids and particulates. It has been shown that the back transport from the membrane surface into the bulk stream is driven.
