Module design for ultrafiltration in biotechnology: Hydraulic analysis and statistical modeling

作者：Thiess Holger; Leuthold Martin; Grummert Ulrich; Strube Jochen

来源：Journal of Membrane Science, 2017, 540: 440-453.

DOI：10.1016/j.memsci.2017.06.038

• Ultrafiltration
• Biotechnology
• Mass transfer coefficient
• Pressure drop
• Suspended screen channels

In this study an engineering tool for the design and optimization of an ultrafiltration cassette utilizing suspended screen channels is developed, based on the combination of statistical and physico-chemical modeling. The authors investigate the influence of module geometrical parameters in a plate and frame module in ultrafiltration such as degree of suspension, mesh length and flow attack angle on the mass transfer coefficient and the pressure drop. Concentration experiments with defined BSA standard test solution (bovine serum albumin) and specifically designed membranes utilizing DoE (Design of Experiments) for the module design parameters were conducted. The range of the varied module factors is based on commercially available modules. The mass transfer in the modules is described with the mass transfer coefficient. In this work three methods to estimate the mass transfer coefficient are utilized and compared: the Sherwood correlation, the Stagnant Film Model (SFM) and the Osmotic Pressure Model (OPM). The corresponding pressure drop is described by the drag coefficient as a function of Reynold number. A statistical model is derived for the mass transfer coefficient and the drag coefficient as a function of the module design parameters based on the experimental data for the determination of significant influential factors. The influences in module design on mass transfer and pressure drop are shown and discussed. Combining the statistical model for the two coefficients with a validated physico-chemical ultrafiltration model, a tool for the characterization and possible optimization, within the range of the module design variation, is derived. The thereby attained predictive simulation results show a very good agreement with the experimental data. In conclusion, the outcome of this study will be potentially important for the design of suspended screen channels in ultrafiltration devices used especially in diafiltration and formulation of highly-viscous protein solutions.

• 出版日期2017-10-15