(468a) Factors Controlling Protein Transmission in Continuous Dynamic Filtration

Solids removal by membrane filtration promises several advantages over centrifugation, such as a cleaner permeate fraction, lower energy demand, and more gentle process conditions. Dynamic filtration, by rotation of the membrane, can facilitate continuous solid separation in the bio-chemical industry.

When designing membrane processes the transmission of the product through the membrane is crucial for the yield, but difficult to predict. A better understanding of the transmission can potentially lead to design of robust processes with a consistent high yield.

This project aims to describe how different process conditions affect the filtration performance and the transmission of specific proteins in a rotating filtration system. In order to separate the complexity of dynamic filtration from the variability of biological feeds, a synthetic particle system was used for the initial investigations. The system contains chalk (CaCO₃) particles, purified proteins (BSA), and salts.

During the experiments, the transmission in response to different operational conditions, such as particle concentration, differential pressure and membrane rotational speed, was monitored by UV. A model for the mechanisms controlling transmission was established, linking cake formation, fouling, and operating conditions to transmission. The model can be used for the design of processes with persistent high transmission.