Patent ID: 8610440
Filing Date: 2013-12-17
Classification: B01D,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of in situ monitoring of a membrane separation system wherein the membrane separation system includes a separation membrane, a first pair of stimulating electrodes separated by the separation membrane and a second pair of response measuring electrodes separated by the separation membrane, the method comprising; using the membrane separation system to separate a feed solution into a permeate and a residue, where the permeate passes through the separation membrane and the residue remains on a feed side of the separation membrane; applying an electrical alternating current stimulus through the separation membrane at one or more frequencies by applying the electrical stimulus between the first pair of stimulating electrodes separated by the separation membrane; measuring a response electrical potential between the second pair of response measuring electrodes separated by the separation membrane; comparing the electrical stimulus and the response electrical potential to determine a complex electrical impedance of the separation membrane at the one or more of frequencies, determining electrical conduction and electrical polarization properties of the separation membrane from the complex electrical impedance of the separation membrane at the one or more of frequencies; and monitoring changes of the electrical conduction and electrical polarization properties of the separation membrane indicative of changes in performance of the separation membrane.