Optimization of operation parameters in ultrafiltration process

The optimization of operation parameters in ultrafiltration process is of importance in fully exploitation of its advantages. In this paper, the erythromycin broth filter-press-filtrate filtrate was used as a model solution to be ultrafiltrated by using a hollow-fiber membrane. The pumping rate, operation pressure, concentration ratio and temperature were optimized. The comparison among various optimization methods was also discussed. The results are universal, and should be also useful on other application areas of ultrafiltration process. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.