Dynamic modeling of diafiltration system for a biorefinery application

Application of membrane technologies in biorefinery processes has been studied for some time. The heterogenous nature steams, however, results unideal performance systems and considerable fouling membranes, which is decreasing the efficiency separation. As a part BioSPRINT project, this study focuses on application separating monomeric sugars from hemicelluloses fraction lignocellulosic biomass, where pressure-driven nanofiltration with several diafiltration stages proposed separation task. Diafiltration required to overcome decreased when retentate concentrations viscosity increases. A lumped parameter dynamical model plant applied. key parameters are identified experimental data laboratory unit reflect considered process. then simulated sensitivity uncertain (related fouling, solute concentrations, viscosity, mass transfer coefficients) (product purity, operation time). implemented MATLAB®/Simulink environment. simulation expected identify potential sources scale-up challenges biorefinery-related applications. developed dynamic also allows investigate different operational strategies plants future.