Membrane characteristics as determinant in fouling of UF membranes

• Published in: Separation and purification technology Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 23 - 34
• Main Authors: Ramesh Babu, P., Gaikar, V.G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.06.2001; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Biotechnology; Bovine serum albumin; Cellulose triacetate; Chemical engineering; Concentration polarization; Exact sciences and technology; Fouling; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Membrane separation (reverse osmosis, dialysis...); Methods. Procedures. Technologies; Others; Regenerated cellulose; Ultrafiltration; Various methods and equipments; Zeta potential; Bovine serum albumin; Ultrafiltration; Fouling; Concentration polarization; Zeta potential; Regenerated cellulose; Cellulose triacetate; Polymeric membrane; Crossflow filtration; Cellulose hydrate; Temperature effect; Serum albumin; Experimental study; Protein; Mass transfer; Ethylene oxide polymer; Transport process; Membrane separation; Salt effect; Medium effect; Membrane filtration; Electrokinetic potential; Aqueous solution; Sodium Chlorides
• ISSN: 1383-5866; 1873-3794
• DOI: 10.1016/S1383-5866(00)00207-0

Ultrafiltration of bovine serum albumin solutions using cellulose triacetate (CTA) and regenerated cellulose (RC) membranes showed that CTA membranes were more vulnerable to fouling than hydrophilic RC membranes. The flux decline for both membranes, which was more significant initially, could be attributed to concentration polarization near membrane surfaces and adsorption of the protein. Fouling of the membranes was characterized by the resistance of protein deposits to the permeation of pure water through fouled membranes. The CTA membranes gave more resistant protein deposits than the RC membranes and the resistance increased, two to three times, in the presence of salts but decreased substantially at higher temperatures.