Abstract
Membrane system has been increasingly considered as a safe and cost-effective water treatment process especially in case of small scale water works. This research is a basis of membrane application in water works through a long period test with obtaining operation skills and evaluation of water quality and cost competitiveness. For the research, the UF membrane system was installed in small water treatment plant that uses river-bed water as raw water. The system was consisted of 2 stage membrane and operated in constant flow mode (Flux: 1.5, 1.0, 0.9, 0.6). In each different flux condition, TMP trends were showed better results at lower flux condition. And through the high flux condition test, it is certified that membrane system could deal with breakdown of one stage. Water quality of permeate was satisfied the water quality standards especially turbidity. To know what mainly causes fouling on membrane, the test by membrane with several cleaning agents and EDX analysis have done in lab. Through the tests, ferrous concentration in raw water, backwashing water and membrane surface etc. was high and it causes fouling inside and outside of membrane. So acid cleaning using organic acid such as oxalic acid is necessary in Chemical in Place (CIP). At the economical aspect the electrical cost of membrane system is higher than that of slow sand filtration but labor cost can be reduced by automation. However, the use of labor should be determined considering effectiveness and stability of operation. Because during the operation, there are several breakdown such as electrical shock by lightning, water drop in summer, etc.
