New ceramic microfiltration membranes from mineral coal fly ash

• Published in: Arabian journal of chemistry Vol. 2; no. 1; pp. 31 - 39
• Main Authors: Jedidi, Ilyes, Saïdi, Sami, Khmakem, Sabeur, Larbot, André, Elloumi-Ammar, Najwa, Fourati, Amine, Charfi, Aboulhassen, Ben Amar, Raja
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.07.2009
• Subjects: Ceramic microfiltration membrane; Dying effluents; Mineral coal fly ash; Slip casting process; Slip casting process; Dying effluents; Mineral coal fly ash; Ceramic microfiltration membrane
• ISSN: 1878-5352; 1878-5379
• DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2009.07.006

This work aims to develop a new mineral porous tubular membrane based on mineral coal fly ash. Finely ground mineral coal powder was calcinated at 700°C for about 3h. The elaboration of the mesoporous layer was performed by the slip casting method using a suspension made of the mixture of fly ash powder, water and PVA. The obtained membrane was submitted to a thermal treatment which consists in drying at room temperature for 24h then a sintering at 800°C. SEM photographs indicated that the membrane surface was homogeneous and did not present any macro defects (cracks, etc.). The average pore diameter of the active layer was 0.25μm and the thickness was around 20μm. The membrane permeability was 475l/hm2bar. This membrane was applied to the treatment of the dying effluents generated by the washing baths in the textile industry. The performances in term of permeate flux and efficiency were determined and compared to those obtained using a commercial alumina microfiltration membrane. Almost the same stabilised permeate flux was obtained (about 100l/hm2). The quality of permeate was almost the same with the two membranes: the COD and color removal was 75% and 90%, respectively.