The treatment of bilge water using a MF/UF hybrid membrane system: Membrane fouling, cleaning and the effect of constituents on flux decline.

Abstract

Bilge water accumulates in recesses and bilges onboard ships. Depending on the type of design and age, ships can generate large volumes of bilge water. This wastewater is a mixture of fresh water and seawater containing various contaminants. Typical contaminants may include fuels, oils, greases, detergents, solvents, rusts, paints, insulation material and a wide variety of other substances. Bilge water is a very challenging wastewater to treat due to large variations in production rates and the complex nature of the wastes in solution. Membrane based Oily Water Separators (OWS) are being increasingly used throughout the world for the treatment of oily wastewater. This work focused on two areas of study: (1) Effects of selected components found in bilge water on membrane performance, and (2) Pilot scale testing using a Microfiltration/Ultrafiltration (MF/UF) hybrid system. The studies are aimed at determining suitable membrane materials and optimum operating conditions such as trans-membrane pressure (TMP) and backflushing for permeate flux enhancement. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)