Effects of ultrasound parameters on ultrasound-assisted ultrafiltration using cross-flow hollow fiber membrane for Radix astragalus extracts

In this study, the effects of ultrasonic parameters on permeate flux and fouling resistances in the ultrasound-assisted ultrafiltration (UAUF) process of Radix astragalus extracts with hollow fiber membrane (HFM) was investigated. Ultrasonic parameters such as frequency, power and irradiation mode all can significantly affect the flux and fouling during the UAUF process, though the ultrasound power intensity was attenuated to be 10% only from generator. Concentration polarization and cake layer were decreased effectively by the ultrasound irradiation, resulting in a high flux performance. Meanwhile, HFM was susceptible to the irradiation at high power and low frequency compared with a flat sheet membrane. Ultrasound can not only enhance the permeate flux in UAUF but also cause breakage of HFM at an unsuited ultrasound field. It can be applied to the ultrafiltration process with HFM at an appropriate power and frequency.