Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of bulk nanobubble (BNB) incorporation during ultrafiltration (UF) process. Both lab and pilot-scale UF experiments were conducted to evaluate effect of BNB incorporation on UF process by evaluating permeate flux, membrane microstructure, fouling resistance, and energy consumption. Additionally, control and BNB incorporated skim milk concentrate (SMC) dispersions were characterized in terms of physicochemical properties, rheology, and microstructure. Operating UF with BNB incorporation gave better membrane performance, evidenced by better permeation flux. The permeation flux of control SMC was 9.27, and 6.89 kg/h∙m 2 and with BNB incorporation permeate flux significantly increased (P < 0.05) to 14.57 and 9.59 kg/h∙m 2 for lab and pilot-scale UF runs, respectively. BNB incorporation also resulted in a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in apparent viscosity and showed marked changes in microstructure of resultant skim milk concentrate dispersions. In conclusion, BNB incorporation helped to improve UF membrane performance, and therefore this study suggests the potential of using BNB incorporation for a more efficient UF processing. • Bulk nanobubbles (BNB) generated by acoustic and hydrodynamic cavitation improved ultrafiltration membrane performance. • Higher permeate flux can be achieved with BNB incorporation. • The apparent viscosity of resultant skim milk concentrate dispersions reduced with BNB incorporation. • Less membrane depositions with the BNB incorporation. • Permeate flux enhancement of ⁓50% can be achieved with the BNB incorporation. • BNB incorporation influenced the rheological and microstructural properties of skim milk concentrate dispersions.
Published Version
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