Membrane technology for the continuous separation microalgae/culture medium: compared performances of cross-flow microfiltration and ultrafiltration

摘要

Cross-flow microfiltration and ultrafiltration techniques have become a suitable process for the separation of micro-organisms in a variety of biotechnical applications. In this paper, 8 commercial membranes (IRIS, Orelis, Miribel, France) were evaluated for the harvesting of 2 marine microalgae: Haslea ostrearia and Skeletonema costatum, both widely cultivated in western France (Region des Pays de Loire). The effects of cross-flow velocity, transmembrane pressure, concentration and the characteristics of suspensions are discussed. The ultrafiltration membrane (polyacrylonitrile, 40 kDa) proved to be the most efficient in the peculiar conditions of low pressure and low tangential velocity for a long-term operation.