The Effect of Cleaning Agents on a Noncellulosic Ultrafiltration Membrane

Abstract
Interactions of selected cleaning agents with clean Amicon PM-10 membranes were determined by water flux measurements. The membranes were contacted with the cleaning agents at various concentrations for 2.5-60 min. Modes of contact studied included the “static mode” (no overpressure) or ultrafiltration at 3.5 kg/cm2 pressure. Several cleaning agents increased the membrane water flux, due to the apparent wetting effect exhibited by solutions above their critical micelle concentrations. Surface tension measurements indicated the persisting presence of these surfactants in the water permeate.