Effect of previous enzymatic recirculation treatment through a tubular ceramic membrane on ultrafiltration of model solution and apple juice

The process of ultrafiltration of a model solution and 12% soluble solids apple juice containing pectins through tubular membranes of 100 and 300 kDa (1 and 3 channels) was studied. Furthermore, in order to obtain a higher permeate flow, the fluids were previously treated with pectinolytic enzymes recirculating through a tubular membrane at different concentrations and treatment times. The permeate flow was analyzed with respect to time and the influence of enzymatic treatment on different parameters: viscosity, density, absorbance at 420 nm, reducing sugars, degrees Brix, color and pH. Depectinization increased the permeate flow for the model solution and apple juice with 67.52% and 53.11% when the pectinolytic enzyme preparation re-circulated across the tubular membrane. Using the lowest concentration of enzyme treatment and the longest recirculation treatment, an increase in permeate flow was obtained leading to a more favourable clarification process and economic benefits. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.