Membrane filtration mechanisms

Because membrane filtration is the only currently acceptable method of sterilizing protein pharmaceuticals, the adsorption and inactivation of proteins on membranes is of particular concern during formulation development. Pitt [56] examined nonspecific protein binding of polymeric microporous membranes typically used in sterilization by membrane filtration. Nitrocellulose and nylon membranes had extremely high protein adsorption, followed by polysulfone, cellulose diacetate, and hydrophilic polyvinylidene fluoride membranes. In a subsequent study by Truskey et al. [46], protein conformational changes after filtration were observed by CD spectroscopy, particularly with nylon and polysulfone membrane filters. The conformational changes were related to the tendency of the membrane to adsorb the protein, although the precise mechanism was unclear. 

Figure 15.2(a). The membrane impedes further penetration of even smaller particles through the porous filter media. In many filtration applications, this filtration mechanism is valid for an axial velocity greater than about 4 to 6 m/s. 

Coverage of thermal, chemical, surface, and mechanical properties of inorganic membranes includes discussion of pore diameter, thickness, and membrane morphology. You ll gain valuable insights into membrane modification, as well as the design and operation of membrane filtration units. 

Also included are sections on how to analyze mechanisms that affect flux feature models for prediction of micro- and ultrafiltration flux that help you minimize flux decline. Descriptions of cross-flow membrane filtration and common operating configurations clarify tf e influence of important operating parameters on system performance. Parameters irdlucnc irxj solute retention properties during ultrafiltration arc identified and discussed or treated in detail. 

Although Tyrann-M/E and even conventional membranes are superior to the new polyamide and polyfvinylidene fluoride) membranes with respect to flow rates and filtration capacities, the latter two are more suitable for filtration of most (but not all) organic solvents and, partially as a result of their lower void volumes (Table IV) exhibit mechanical and thermal properties which are generally superior to those of the cellulosics. It should also be noted that in the special case of fiber-reinforced membranes, the mechanical properties are predominantly functions of the embedded fibers rather than of the membrane structu reverse. 

Mechanical forces can disturb the elaborate structure of the enzyme molecules to such a degree that de-activation can occur. The forces associated with flowing fluids, liquid films and interfaces can all cause de-activation. The rate of denaturation is a function both of intensity and of exposure time to the flow regime. Some enzymes show an ability to recover from such treatment. It should be noted that other enzymes are sensitive to shear stress and not to shear rate. This characteristic mechanical fragility of enzymes may impose limits on the fluid forces which can be tolerated in enzyme reactors. This applies when stirring is used to increase mass transfer rates of substrate, or in membrane filtration systems where increasing flux through a membrane can be accompanied by increased fluid shear at the surface of the membrane and within membrane pores. Another mechanical force, surface... 

Figure 2.31 Separation of particulates can take place at the membrane surface according to a screen filtration mechanism (a) or in the interior of the membrane by a capture mechanism as in depth filtration (b)...

Ultrafiltration and microfiltration membranes produce high porosities and pore sizes in the range of 30-100 nanometers (UF) and higher (MF), which enable the passage of larger dissolved particles and even some suspended particles. The separation-filtration mechanism is based on molecule/particle sizes. The nanofiltration membrane lies between the UF and RO membranes, combining the properties of both so that the two mechanisms coexist. In addition, the NF membrane may be... 

For bubbling-enhanced tubular membrane filtration, Cui et al. [77] have attributed the main mechanisms to... 

A major alternative to direct flow membrane filtration is depth filtration, in which particles are removed throughout the filtration matrix rather than just at the membrane surface, by various mechanisms such as size exclusion, electrostatic, and hydrophobic interactions. Depth filters are typically composed of a bed of cellulose or polypropylene fibers together with an inorganic filter aid such as diatomaceous earth and a binder to form a filter sheet. The filter aid imparts the matrix very high surface areas and plays an important role in increasing both retention and the capacity. Depth filters can also have an electrostatic charge usually associated with the binder polymer. 

Figure 1. Diagram of filtration mechanisms for A) flat-membrane filters and B) hollow-fiber filters, showing the concentration polarization on the flat filters.

In membrane filtration, water-filled pores are frequently encountered and consequently the liquid-solid transition of water is often used for membrane pore size analysis. Other condensates can however also be used such as benzene, hexane, decane or potassium nitrate [68]. Due to the marked curvature of the solid-liquid interface within pores, a freezing (or melting) point depression of the water (or ice) occurs. Figure 4.9a illustrates schematically the freezing of a liquid (water) in a porous medium as a fimction of the pore size. Solidification within a capillary pore can occur either by a mechanism of nucleation or by a progressive penetration of the liquid-solid meniscus formed at the entrance of the pore (Figure 4.9b). 

Belfort, G. Fluid mechanics in membrane filtration recent developments. J. Membr. Sci. 1989, 40, 123-147. 

Many explanations have been proposed for the origin of Na—Ca—Cl formation water. In addition to mechanisms which we have rejected (e.g., membrane filtration). Carpenter (1978) proposed that such a brine results from the generalized reaction ... 

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