Rinsing of ultrafiltration ceramic membranes fouled with whey proteins: effects on cleaning procedures

摘要

A ceramic membrane was fouled with a whey protein concentrate and was later rinsed with water in order to study the influence of the main rinsing parameters (operation mode, temperature, cross-flow velocity and transmembrane pressure) on deposit removal. Rinsing efficiency was evaluated by the measurement of the membrane hydraulic resistance to standard water. The most important variables affecting the rinsing efficiency are transmembrane pressure and temperature. Maximum rinsing efficiencies of 90/100 can be reached in 15 min.