High-throughput premix membrane emulsification using nickel sieves having straight-through pores

We report on the use of nickel sieves, having a uniform pore size (typically 10 μm × 300 μm), for (oil-in-water) premix emulsification at relatively low transmembrane pressures. The droplet break-up was found to be based on elongation and recompression of droplets typical of high-pressure homogenization. The dependence on the transmembrane pressure indicated at least partial turbulent conditions. In line with this, the transmembrane fluxes were very high, while a reasonable span (around 1) of the droplet size was found. There was no indication of fouling in the process, even after 5 passes, which indicates that the process is tolerant to product and conditions. A master curve was found for the Weber number as function of the transmembrane pressure normalized on the Laplace pressure of the emulsion before emulsification, which is helpful in further scale-up of this process.

► Premix membrane emulsification using nickel microsieves is reported.
► Droplet break-up was found to be based on elongation and recompression of droplets.
► Partial turbulent conditions, comparable to high-pressure homogenization.
► High transmembrane fluxes, and a reasonable span of the droplet size was obtained.
► No indication of fouling even after five passes.