Abstract
Microfiltration (MF) of a fermentation broth containing Escherichia coli is reported in this article. We used a ceramic membrane filter (zirconia on sintered carbon) having a nominal pore size of 0.2 μm. Our results indicate that the filtration resistance was mainly caused by the cake formed on the membrane surface. Both transmembrane pressure (TMP) and fluid sweeping velocity influenced this cake resistance. Resistances due to membrane itself and due to internal pore blockage by E. coli were less important and insensitive to both TMP and fluid sweeping velocity. Preliminary results also showed that the cell density could be significantly increased when we connected such a ceramic filter on-line with our fermentation system. In particular it was found that the gas bubbles entrained in the broth side of the filter could increase the filtration flux by as much as 80%.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
