Integration of Ultrafiltration Unit Operations in Biotechnology Process Design

Abstract

A stepwise process design approach is proposed to model membrane unit operations generally in combination with experimental model parameter determination in laboratory scale, in order to predict the purification performance a priori by simulations for multicomponent mixtures. The development of a rigorous model for an ultrafiltration membrane is described. In conceptual process design, the degree of comprehension of all unit operations integrated have to be almost identical to be able of any consistent process proposal taking equipment-related fluid-dynamical and kinetic nonidealities besides thermodynamical feasibility into account. Therefore, a process model, combining the most limiting factors within one mathematical model, is established and various filtrations are carried out with a binary solution for validation. Additionally, a standard laboratory equipment is instituted for logging time-dependent concentration profiles. The practicability of the proposed procedure is proven in order to design and integrate ultrafiltration membranes into total purification processes.

Integration of Reverse‐Osmosis Unit Operations in Biotechnology Process Design

“…can be found in [9]. It was proved that CP is one of the most important factors influencing the performance of membrane separation.…”

“…In our previous paper [9], it is stated that it is essential to use unit operation models which accurately describe the process behavior in order to minimize the technical risk that is inherent in the design of any new process. This is particularly important for membrane systems which are usually competing with wellunderstood separation techniques [10], i.e., RO systems as well.…”

“…The major effect of limited permeate flux in a cross-flow module over time is caused by CP [7,18]. Due to typically high solvent velocities, the deposit layer is correctly assumed to be of locally uniform thickness [9,18]. The effects of limited permeate flux are included by the minimized solvent permeability L P [9].…”

“…This is not an easy task due to the multicomponent system, differences in membrane material and structure, process conditions, module configurations, and degree of modeling depth [18]. The numerous models developed through the past decades were summarized and described in Grote et al [9]. Based on all the details regarding model derivation, experimental parameter determination in laboratory scale, and necessary assumptions for a UF model, the aim is to propose a modeling theory to describe solute and water transfer through RO membranes when the feed solution is complex and mostly undetermined, because it is difficult to identify the solutes in order to obtain their mass transfer characteristics.…”

Combined Adsorption/Ultrafiltration of Secondary Effluents Using Powdered Zeolites

“…Reclaimed water is used in many aspects, such as the industrial process water, power plant cooling water, landscape and agricultural irrigation [3]. The membrane filtration process has become increasingly attractive for reclamation of wastewater, as it is easy to operate, highly efficient, and satisfies stringent discharge regulations [4][5][6]. Ultrafiltration (UF) is considered as a promising process for advanced treatment of secondary effluents, because of its high removal rate of turbidity, organic matters such as humic substances, and pathogens [2,7].…”