Abstract:

Ultrasound technique has been proved to be an effective approach to enhancing the flux in membrane process because of its characteristics of mechanical vibration，acoustic streaming and acoustic cavitation，which may be capable of removing portions of the fouled layer from the membrane surface，and preventing the deposition of particles that lead to membrane fouling. Based on the analysis of primary enhancing mechanism and current research on ultrasound enhanced membrane separation process，the integrated systems of ultrasound with membrane module，membrane materials，structure and stability in the ultrasonic field，and a combined utilization of ultrasonic field associated with other technology were reviewed. At the same time，ultrasound enhanced membrane separation in the system containing particle suspension，bio-food industry，and water treatment were also summarized.