FOULING OF AN ULTRAFILTRATION MEMBRANE BY A DISSOLVED WHEY-PROTEIN CONCENTRATE AND SOME WHEY PROTEINS

The influence of adsorption on the pure water flux through a polysulphone membrane has been determined for a variety of conditions. Whey protein concentrate (LACPRODAN 80), beta -lactoglobulin and alpha -lactalbumin were used as solutes. The flux decreases as the concentration of the solution in contact with the membrane increases; there is also a dependence on pH and buffer. The amount of beta -lactoglobulin adsorbed on the surface was determined using **1**4C-radiotagged protein. The flux of the commercial membrane sheets which were used varied within the interval of 0. 007 to 0. 220 g/cm**2-min.