Crossflowfiltratie

Crossflow filtration, also known as tangential flow filtration, is a separation technique used to separate solid particles or dissolved molecules from a liquid stream. Unlike dead-end filtration, where the feed flows perpendicular to the filter surface, in crossflow filtration, the feed flows parallel to the filter membrane. This tangential flow helps to sweep away retained particles from the membrane surface, preventing fouling and maintaining a higher filtration rate over time.

The process involves pumping the liquid feed across the surface of a membrane. A portion of the liquid, called the permeate, passes through the membrane, carrying dissolved solutes and smaller particles. The remaining portion, called the retentate, is the concentrate that flows along the membrane surface, containing the larger particles or molecules that were retained. The efficiency of crossflow filtration depends on factors such as flow rate, transmembrane pressure, membrane pore size, and fluid viscosity.

This technique finds widespread applications in various industries, including water treatment, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage processing, and wastewater treatment. It is used for purposes like concentration of biomolecules, clarification of fermentation broths, removal of bacteria, and purification of water. The ability to continuously remove retained material makes crossflow filtration a robust and efficient method for solid-liquid separation.