2.6.4. Evaluation of cleaning efficiency (CE) and resistances
Cleaning efficiency was calculated according to Eq. (3) defined
by Blanpain-Avet et al. (2009). This parameter was used to evaluate
the rinsing process.
where Rm is the initial membrane resistance, calculated from
Darcy’s law equation (Eq. (4)) using the initial water flux (Jw) measured
before each fouling experiment; Rc is the cleaning resistance,
calculated using Eq. (4) replacing Jw by the cleaned membrane flux
(Jwc), which was measured after the second rinsing water; Rt is the
membrane resistance after the fouling step calculated using Eq. (4),
replacing Jw by membrane flux after the fouling step (Jt).
2.6.5. Statistical analysis
A statistical analysis was carried out with STATGRAPHICS
Centurion XVI. In this way, a multiple variable analysis was studied
and p-values between CE’s, contact angle and the amount of residual
proteins were calculated.