Fluid dynamic gauging of microfiltration membranes fouled with sugar beet molasses

► A 45° Brix molasses solution was filtered using a 1.5 μm polysulphone (Psf) membrane. ► Fluid dynamic gauging used to track the thickness of layer formed during microfiltration. ► Simultaneous measure of flux and deposit thickness obtained through full membrane operating cycle. ► Cleaning with the permeate line closed preferable to cleaning with the permeate line open. ► An initial increase and subsequent reduction in flux during chemical cleaning was seen.