Preparation and characterization of new tubular kaolino‐illitic ceramic membrane used for dairy wastewater treatment

Abstract Low cost asymmetric tubular ceramic membrane was developed from kaolino‐illitic clay collected from the region of Medenin (Tunisia). The obtained membrane was designed to be used for ultrafiltration. The effect of pore forming agent on the plasticity, porosity, pore size distribution, mechanical strength, and permeability was evaluated. The support was performed by extrusion using the raw clay and olive pomace (OP) as pore forming agent. The effect of the use of OP was noticeable; it improved the plasticity of the paste. Also it helped to ameliorate both permeability and porosity of the obtained supports. Top layer was prepared using acid activated clay suspension. The obtained membrane had gas permeability of about 13 cm ³ .s ⁻¹ .cm ⁻² .bar ⁻¹ at a pressure of 1.5 bar and water flux of 1700 L.h ⁻¹ .m ⁻² at a pressure of 1 bar. The final membrane was successfully used to eliminate the fat present in a solution containing 10% of milk. Regeneration of the used membrane was carried out by calcination at 550°C. The performances of the used membrane were recovered by 97% after regeneration.