A filtration system and a method of cleaning a particle and/or colloidal fouled
filtration membrane are provided. The filtration system includes at least one filtration
membrane disposed in a casing, and at least one ultrasonic transducer in direct
contact with a fluid to be filtered. Ultrasonic energy is emitted by the ultrasonic
transducer in the direction of the filtration membrane. Dislodged particles cleaned
by the ultrasonic energy from the filtration membrane are carried away in a cross-flow
stream and wasted or recycled back to the beginning of the treatment process. The
ultrasonic transducer can be fixed or movable. The filtration system can use different
filtration membrane configurations such as, but not limited to, tubular, flat sheet,
hollow fiber and spiral wound membranes.