Fouling study of TiO2-boehmite MF membrane in defatting of whey solution: Feed concentration and pH effects

Membrane performance during whey treatment is typically limited by fouling. This work examined the use of microfiltration TiO2-boehmite ceramic membranes for clefatting of reconstituted whey solution. Initially, tubular ceramic membranes were prepared by gel-casting, followed by dip-coating method. SEM images indicated smooth, crack-free TiO2-boehmite layer on alpha-alumina support. The effects of physicochemical conditions (feed pH and concentration) were evaluated by measuring the permeate flux. The optimum condition was achieved at feed concentration 5.0 wt% and pH 7.0. Individual resistances were evaluated by resistances-in-series model and the governing fouling mechanisms were also investigated using linear forms of classic models as well as combined models. In most of the experiments, the classic models provide a transition from the pore blockage to cake filtration. In combined models, however, the "cake filtration-complete blocking" model was in good agreement with the experimental data. Moreover, alkaline solution gives the best performance for cleaning the fouled membrane. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.