Clarification of 1,3-Propanediol Fermentation Broths by Using a Ceramic Fine UF Membrane

Abstract

This work examined the use of a ceramic fine ultrafiltration (UF) membrane for the pre-treatment of 1,3-propanodiol (1,3-PD) fermentation broths. It has been demonstrated that the membrane used provides obtaining a high-quality, sterile permeate, which can be sequentially separated by other processes such as nanofiltration (NF) and membrane distillation (MD). Special attention was paid to the impact of the operational parameters on the membrane performance. The series of UF experiments under transmembrane pressure (TMP) from 0.1 to 0.4 MPa and feed flow rate (Q) from 200 to 400 dm3/h were performed. Moreover, the impact of the feed pH, in the range from 5 to 10, on the flux was investigated. It has been demonstrated that for fine UF, increasing the TMP is beneficial, and TMP equal to 0.4 MPa and Q of 400 dm3/h ensure the highest flux and its long-term stability. It has been shown that in terms of process efficiency, the most favorable pH of the broths is equal to 9.4. An effective and simple method of membrane cleaning was presented. Finally, the resistance-in-series model was applied to describe resistances that cause flux decline. Results obtained in this study can assist in improving the cost-effectiveness of the UF process of 1,3-PD fermentation broths.

Comparison of Polypropylene and Ceramic Microfiltration Membranes Applied for Separation of 1,3-PD Fermentation Broths and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast Suspensions

“…Roughly speaking, the membrane efficiency can be increased due to the cake formation, as particles with diameters smaller than the pore size of the membrane are more susceptible to being captured by the cake [ 79 ]. An apparent decrease in the turbidity of permeate samples during the pressure driven separation processes of fermentation broths has also been reported in several previous studies [ 5 , 7 , 72 , 80 ].…”

“…Membranes 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 27 as particles with diameters smaller than the pore size of the membrane are more susceptible to being captured by the cake [79]. An apparent decrease in the turbidity of permeate samples during the pressure driven separation processes of fermentation broths has also been reported in several previous studies [5,7,72,80]. Figure 6 shows the SEM image of the PP S6/2 membrane surface after the MF process of fermentation broth with Citrobacter freundii performed under TMP of 0.03 MPa and VF of 0.8 m/s.…”

“…Generally, enhanced hydrodynamic conditions are applied in the systems equipped with ceramic membranes. Indeed, the increase of the permeate flux with increase of the shear rate has been reported in several previous works [5,7,8,27,80,[82][83][84] where the use of ceramic MF samples during the pressure driven separation processes of fermentation broths has also been reported in several previous studies [5,7,72,80]. Figure 6 shows the SEM image of the PP S6/2 membrane surface after the MF process of fermentation broth with Citrobacter freundii performed under TMP of 0.03 MPa and VF of 0.8 m/s.…”

“…Generally, enhanced hydrodynamic conditions are applied in the systems equipped with ceramic membranes. Indeed, the increase of the permeate flux with increase of the shear rate has been reported in several previous works [5,7,8,27,80,[82][83][84] where the use of ceramic MF It is well known that the adverse effects caused by fouling may be reduced by operating the filtration process under an increased shear rate near the membrane. Generally, enhanced hydrodynamic conditions are applied in the systems equipped with ceramic membranes.…”

The Use of NaOH Solutions for Fouling Control in a Membrane Bioreactor: A Feasibility Study

“…Importantly, summarizing the literature data (Table A1) it can be indicated that NaOH has been used to clean both polymeric [25,41] and ceramic [28,42] UF membranes applied in MBR technology. Our previous investigations [84,85] highlighted the efficiency of NaOH solutions in removing foulants from ceramic UF membranes after filtration of glycerol postfermentation solutions containing 1,3-propanediol as a main product. An important point which should be noted is that the chemical cleaning process generates a waste of spent cleaning solutions which undoubtedly should be considered during the MBRs design stage.…”