Microfiltration of Emulsified Oil Wastewater

Hydrophilic polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) membranes were employed for emulsified oil wastewater treatment. The best operating conditions for optimum flux of water, which penetrates through the membrane and rejection (prevention of oil droplets from passing though the membrane) were obtained. Concentration and pH effects on flux and rejection were determined. Increase of weight concentration caused flux decline due to the formation of a thick layer on the membrane surface. However increasing the concentration increased rejection. The pH effects were complex. By increasing the acidity of the feed, rejection was reduced.