Introduction to the Growth and Modelling of Biofilms in Ultrafiltration and Reverse Osmosis Plants

In the environment, there is actually no surface without the potential for adhesion of biofilms. Especially in membrane processes, biofilms have a negative effect on the performance, resulting in higher energy costs, higher efforts for cleaning and a lower durability of membranes. Within a research project, the possibilities of a process water production from

brewery waste water will be explored. A part of this research project is the examination of biofouling for the purpose of process optimization. This essay gives an overview about biofilms and their effects on membrane processes as well as an introduction to biofilm modeling. In the next part of this article series, first results of the research project will be presented.

BrewingScience - Monatsschrift für Brauwissenschaft, 64 (May/June 2011), pp. 41-45