Application of UF-RDM (Ultafiltration Rotating Disk Membrane) module for separation and concentration of leaf protein from alfalfa juice: Optimization of operation conditions

•Ultrafiltration Dynamic Rotating Module was used to concentrate leaf protein from alfalfa juice.•The effects of operation parameters on filtration behavior were studied.•Large MWCO, high rotating speed, high temperature and great TMP enhance filtration behavior.•Concentration tests repeated five times were conducted at optimized operation conditions.

Ultrafiltration Dynamic Rotating Module (UF-DRDM) was an effective alternative method to concentrate leaf protein from alfalfa juice. The effects of operation parameters (membrane, rotating speed, temperature and TMP) on filtration behavior were investigated using full recycling tests and concentration tests. Large membrane molecular weight cut off (MWCO), rotating speed, temperature and TMP improved filtration behavior and productivity. Furthermore, high rotating speed produced high shear rate on membrane surface, enhancing separation performance and membrane cleaning efficiency. But, large MWCO, high temperature and high TMP caused terrible separation performance and high irreversible fouling. Then, series of concentration tests were studied. Large MWCO, high rotating speed, high temperature and great TMP could improve filtration behavior of concentration tests. Finally, concentration tests repeated five times were conducted at optimized operation conditions (2000 rpm, 6 bar, 55 °C and US100P) for checking efficiency, stability and sustainability as well its potential application value. These results from laboratory-scale tests show favorable prospects in the alfalfa juice concentration by UF-DRDM.

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