Method for fouling reduction on the surface of ceramic membranes using steam fast-flushing

A method for reducing fouling on the surface of a ceramic membrane or filter, the ceramic membrane or filter has a recalcitrant filtration cake on its surface that is non-responsive to removal by regular back-flushing or other physical means of removal in-process, during an operation of a process of filtration,

• wherein the ceramic membrane or filter is subjected to steam fast-flushing in-process by injecting steam directly in a feed channel of the ceramic membrane or filter while back-flushing the ceramic membrane or filter at the same time to heat and remove the recalcitrant filtration cake on the ceramic membrane or filter while cooling a selective layer via back-flushing of the ceramic membrane or filter, at the same time or in sequence to the steam fast-flushing to avoid thermal shocking of the ceramic membrane or filter,
• wherein the surface of the ceramic membrane or filter is cleaned with the ceramic membrane or filter being stationary during the process of filtration.