Premix membrane O/W emulsification: Effect of fouling when using BSA as emulsifier

Premix membrane emulsification (ME) is a specific ME process that combines low energy requirements with high permeate fluxes. Process conditions such as membrane type (polycarbonate, Nylon, polyethersulfone and cellulose mixed esters), transmembrane pressure (1–9 bar), number of emulsification cycles (1–7) and type of emulsifier (Tween 20®, BSA) have been investigated. The results obtained indicate that, even though the type of emulsifier has a strong effect on emulsion production and final droplet size, it is possible to obtain stable emulsions by premix ME with BSA. Specifically, the use of mixed esters membranes at 9 bar and pH > 7 of the continuous phase enabled to obtain stable emulsions by premix ME with BSA.