Membranes in Bioprocessing

This book serves as an advanced text on the theory and use of a selection of membrane processes of value in bioprocessing. It covers those processes most often used for processing liquids in biotechnology, and many of the principles developed in the theory apply to all cross-flow membrane processes. The focus is on ultrafiltration, microfiltration and pervaporation, and treats the basic theories and the modern methods of improving performance in these systems. The applications referred to are in bioprocessing where uses range from preparing pure water, the harvesting of cells and concentration of products, to recovery of products such as dry ethanol (by pervaporation). The book is brought about by the developments in understanding of hydrodynamics membrane surface properties and electrical effects which have helped to improve performance of the systems during recent years. The book should be suitable for use by final year undergraduates, postgraduates and practitioners in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering and biotechnology.
It covers in detail the basic theory of pressure driven membrane operation, aspects of transport processes and fluid mechanics which are important for a full understanding of the processes, and a major chapter on system design. These are followed by chapters on fouling and flux enhancement by surface modification, hydrodynamics and electrical effects. Finally, an introduction to pervaporation is given. Throughout the book, there are worked examples of problems. The book was written by a group of authorities based throughout Europe, and edited by members of the research groups at Bath and Toulouse.