Influence of permeate flux on fouling during the microfiltration of beta-lactoglobulin solutions under cross-flow conditions

Experiments to investigate the microfiltration fouling behaviour of a beta-lactoglobulin solution were performed on a constant-flux, computer-controlled, cross-flow membrane rig equipped with zirconium oxide membranes. Fouling was dependent upon the permeate flux, being light at low flux (50 l/m(2) h) and severe at high flux (200 l/m(2) h). The fouling increased in severity as the flux was increased from 50 to 200 l/m(2) h. At 50 l/m(2) h, protein transmissions of > 90% were observed. At higher fluxes, the protein transmission decreased with increasing fouling resistance. The relationship between fouling resistance and protein transmission was similar for 50 and 100 nm membranes and was independent of the starting permeate flux. Standard pore-plugging and pore-narrowing models did not describe the observed behaviour. Development of a model to predict protein transmission from the fouling resistance indicated that fouling occurred only in a small part of the membrane pore, most likely at the pore entrance. It is proposed that the microfiltration pore acts in a way similar to a pressure-relief valve where shear-induced protein denaturation has been observed. Shear forces on the protein perhaps lead to protein denaturation and aggregation, and narrowing of the pore in the immediate vicinity of the pore entrance.