Abstract
When colloidal solutions containing macromolecules such as protein are treated by ultrafiltration, the gel layer is formed on the membrane surface and shows large permeation resistance. Thus, various effective cleaning methods for the gel layer have been examined. In this work, electro-ultrafiltration was studied aiming the practical applications.
The membranes used were of commercial tubular type, which are suited for treatment of solutions containing suspended solids, and egg protein (ovalbumin) was mainly used as solute. Experiments were performed under the conditions of laminar flow, 0-7 atm of pressure, 20 C of temperature and 0-20V of voltage.
Results showed effective recovery of flux and retarded gel formation under the controlled electric field. Moreover, the molecular fractionation was also done effectively by adopting this method.
