Premix membrane O/W emulsification: Effect of fouling when using BSA as emulsifier

摘要

Premix membrane emulsification (ME) is a specific ME process that combines low energy requirements with high permeate fluxes. Process conditions such as membrane type (polycarbonate, Nylon, polyethersulfone and cellulose mixed esters), transmembrane pressure (1-9 bar), number of emulsification cycles (1-7) and type of emulsifier (Tween 20~R, BSA) have been investigated. The results obtained indicate that, even though the type of emulsifier has a strong effect on emulsion production and final droplet size, it is possible to obtain stable emulsions by premix ME with BSA. Specifically, the use of mixed esters membranes at 9 bar and pH > 7 of the continuous phase enabled to obtain stable emulsions by premix ME with BSA.