Fouling of the Nanofiltration Membrane NF270 Used for Separation of Fermentation Broths: Impact of Feed Pretreatment Process

Recent findings regarding nanofiltration (NF) have led to indications that it can be successfully used for separation of various biological solutions. As a novelty, this paper is the first investigate impact feed pretreatment process on NF membrane performance 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) fermentation broths. For purpose, prior process, was purified by microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) processes. Subsequently, long-term carried out with use commercial, flat-sheet, thin-film, polyamide NF270 membrane. Thereinto, determine dominant fouling mechanism, Hermia’s model used. With regards processes performed, has been determined MF (0.14 µm) provided reduction in number bacteria cells present permeate, while UF (450 Da) allowed obtaining sterile permeate. Consequently, permeate flux significantly higher. Analysis mechanisms showed during formation cake layer surface dominant. In turn, blocking occurred two separate phases involving standard then formation. Finally, strategy cleaning sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution proposed.