Membrane technology has become a fundamental unit operation in the industry and society of nowadays and fouling is, probably,
the most important concern related with this technology. Fouling is a complex process that can limit the performances of
facilities using membranes. Many research efforts have been done in order to reduce fouling tendency. Ceramic membranes can
play a major role in fouling mitigation due to its high hydrophilic nature. This paper describes the characterization of a new
ceramic nanofiltration (NF) prototype membrane with increased surface and modified in its active surface, which makes it more
resistant to fouling. The main goal of this paper was to characterize, under different operating conditions, the membrane
performance. Authors have used two model foulants: peptone (meat extract) and humic acids as mimicking fouling substances
usually present in natural waters and wastewaters. Tests consisted of using different concentrations of these model foulants;
varying the pH (6.0-9.0) and using different cross flow velocities (CVF) from 0.5 to 1.5 m/s. Influence of calcium on foulant
deposition onto membrane has also been studied. Results show that this new membrane showed resistance to fouling while
conserved a high permeability and rejection.