Performance and effects of polymeric membranes on the dead-end microfiltration of protein solution during filtration cycles

A systematic study investigating the effect of membrane material and morphology on the filtration-cycle based on performance of three microfiltration membranes employed for filtering feed solution of Bovine Serum Albumin with yeast suspension has been carried out in dead-end filtration mode. The effects of operating conditions, like feed solution pH, transmembrane pressure (TMP), and membrane cleaning methods have been studied to establish a possible relationship with membrane fouling and to reduce the fouling that occurs during filtration. It was found that filtration resistance increases for the selected membranes with an increase in pH of the feed solution. An increase in TMP increases the permeate flux; however, the effect is not linear due to cake compression at higher TMP. The performance based on the filtration cycle is evaluated, and potential cleaning solutions to restore the permeate flux of filtration after several filtration cycles are identified. Scanning electron microscopy images demonstrate the experimental findings. The expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane flushed with caustic soda solution is found to be the most suitable and efficient membrane for microfiltration without significant reduction in flux and protein transmission, even after several filtration cycles.