Development of an automated, advanced fluid dynamic gauge for cake fouling studies in cross-flow filtrations

Fluid dynamic gauging (FDG) has previously been demonstrated as a technique for the estimation of fouling layer thickness during membrane filtration. Subsequently, FDG has been developed to allow faster, more accurate, and automated readings. Previous experimental data has been re-examined and shortcomings of the methodology used are discussed. In this work the operating procedures of FDG were refined and tested with a mixture of sticky, amorphous foulant and monodispersed glass spheres. The results demonstrate how cake growth rates can be confidently estimated in-situ. The technique also provides strong evidence of a difference in cake structure through destructive thickness testing, despite cake thicknesses being almost equivalent.