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Enhanced filtration using flat membranes and standing vortex waves
B J Bellhouse1, I J Sobey, S Alani
1Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, UK.
Bioseparation
|April 1, 1994
Summary
This study introduces a novel standing vortex waves (SVW) ultrafilter for enhanced membrane filtration. The SVW device significantly increases filtration rates, especially for high-concentration biological fluids.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
- Membrane Science
Background:
- Membrane filter performance is limited by concentration polarization and fouling.
- High shear rates reduce these issues but can damage biological samples.
- Existing secondary flow methods enhance filtration but add complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a new vortex mixing method for ultrafiltration using flat membranes.
- To investigate standing vortex waves (SVW) for improved fluid mixing and filtration.
- To enable the use of asymmetric or rigid membranes in oscillatory flow systems.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel SVW ultrafilter with flat membranes and parallel channels.
- Utilized oscillatory feed flow across ladder-like flow deflectors to generate SVW.
- Conducted flow visualization and numerical calculations to optimize SVW parameters.
- Evaluated ultrafilters using bovine serum albumin (BSA) solutions and compared with a commercial filter.
Main Results:
- Achieved very high filtration rates with BSA concentrations from 1% to 24%.
- The SVW ultrafilter demonstrated a 4.5 times greater filtration flux than a Millipore Pellicon ultrafilter at high BSA concentrations.
- Filtration flux was comparable at low BSA concentrations.
Conclusions:
- The novel SVW ultrafilter effectively enhances filtration performance, particularly for concentrated solutions.
- This technology offers a promising alternative to existing methods, overcoming limitations of shear stress and complexity.
- SVW technology allows for the use of diverse membrane types, expanding its applicability.