A new operation mode for ultrasound-enhanced membrane microfiltration was designed in order to reduce energy consumption.Microfiltration of TiO2 suspension with ultrasound-enhanced multi-channel ceramic membrane was demonstrated.Factors that influenced membrane microfiltration

such as ultrasonic parameters

operating time

TiO2 concentration

as well as suspension temperature

were discussed.The primary mechanism for enhancing the effect of ultrasound was analyzed.The results showed that with the operation mode

the flux recovery rate and average permeation flux were better

and the ultrasonic energy consumption was reduced by over 90.0%.Lower ultrasonic frequency and higher power density were conducive to restoration of the initial flux.Under the optimum condition

ultrasonic frequency of 45 kHz and power density of 0.33 W·cm-2

the flux recovery rate could reach 94.0%.With ultrasonic radiation time of 0.167 min and microfiltration for 8 min

the average flux could increase 61.5%.Lower TiO2 concentration and higher temperature benefited the microfiltration process.