Transport of lactic acid through reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes

Abstract

Model studies were performed with the aim of improving lactic acid separation from fermentation broths by reverse osmosis and nanofiltration. A novel model, based on the extended Nernst-Planck equation, for the description of mass transfer of lactic acid through these membranes was developed. The model can be used to predict mass transfer of lactic acid under various pH and pressure conditions of the feed. The generalized model allows a simple calculation of the separation efficiency not only of lactic acid but of other acids as well.