Membrane fouling mechanism in ultrafiltration of succinic acid fermentation broth

► Ultrafiltration was used to clarify the succinic acid fermentation broth. ► Two different models were applied to analyze the membrane fouling mechanism. ► Membranes tended to be fouled by cake layer or concentration polarization. ► RC 10kDa, PES 30kDa and PES 100kDa was controlled by blocking mechanism. ► Contact angle and roughness of most membranes increased after ultrafiltration.