TURBULENCE PROMOTION AND HYDRODYNAMIC OPTIMIZATION IN AN ULTRAFILTRATION PROCESS

An optimization of flow conditions is presented to minimize permeate product cost in ultrafiltration in laminar channel flow. The methodology for the pressure-driven membrane system is based on a hydrodynamic optimization scheme developed by Sonin and Isaacson for electrochemical systems. Experimental data are presented for permeate flux as a function of transmembrane pressure for the ultrafiltration of bovine serum albumin solution in laminar channel flow with and without detached strip-type turbulence promoters. Empirical expressions are established for the limiting permeate fluxes as a function of the flow rate and interpromoter spacing. Applying the economic optimization scheme, the performance characteristics of the convection-promoted systems are assessed. The optimum values for the interpromoter spacing, the permeate flux, and the Reynolds number are also determined. © 1979, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.