Application of response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize operating conditions during ultrafiltration of oil-in-water emulsion

In this research, the capability of ultrafiltration hollow fiber polyvinylidene fluoride membrane by polyaluminum chloride in pretreated oil-in-water emulsion was studied. Central composite design and response surface method were applied to optimize the operating variables: transmembrane pressure (TMP) and velocity. Quadratic models developed for the three responses (permeate flux (PF), turbidity removal, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal) indicated that the optimum PF of 50 L/m2 h, turbidity removal of 79%, and COD removal of 77% would be achieved after pretreatment at a TMP of 1 bar and velocity of 3 m/s. The simulated values obtained from the statistical model were in agreement with the experimental results.