Effect of protein on flux and selectivity in pervaporation of ethanol from a dilute solution

The separation of ethanol from a 2% w/w ethanol-water mixture by pervaporation through a thin polydimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) membrane sheet was studied with and without a dissolved vegetable protein in the feed solution. Total flux and ethanol selectivity were measured at different feed temperatures (40,50, and 60degreesC) and permeate-side pressures (1, 10, 20, and 40 mm Hg). An analysis of variance was done to detect effects and interactions. Protein at 10 g/L did not foul the membrane under the conditions used and had no significant effect on flux or selectivity. The effects of protein and temperature on ethanol selectivity interacted slightly.