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Influence of a swirl motion on the interaction between microalgal cells and environmental medium during ultrafiltration of a culture of Tetraselmis suecica

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Abstract

The role of the environmental medium of a marine microalga culture (Tetraselmis suecica) in membrane fouling phenomenon is quantified for two ultrafiltration units: one generating a classical tangential plane flow and another involving a swirling decaying flow induced by a tangential inlet. Compared to the plane unit, the swirling configuration increases the performances of the ultrafiltration process (augmentation of 20% in terms of limiting flux). Interactions between the culture medium and cells depend on the module design. Furthermore, experiments emphasize the significant role of the particles whatever the module design: more than 70% of the total hydraulic resistance could be due to the microalgal cells, while about 30% of membrane fouling is relevant to soluble materials.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. GEPEA, Laboratoire de Génie des Procédés Environnement Agroalimentaire ISOMer, Institut des Substances et Organismes de la Mer, UMR MA 100, CRTT, Boulevard de l'Université, BP 406-44602, Saint-Nazaire Cedex, France

    O. Morineau-Thomas, P. Legentilhomme & P. Jaouen

  2. Alpha-Biotech, Le Frostidié, 44410, Assérac, France

    B. Lepine

  3. Laboratoire de Biologie Marine, ISOMer, Institut des Substances et Organismes de la Mer, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, 2, rue de la Houssinière, BP 92208-44322, Nantes Cedex 3, France

    Y. Rince

Authors
  1. O. Morineau-Thomas
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  2. P. Legentilhomme
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  3. P. Jaouen
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  4. B. Lepine
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  5. Y. Rince
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Morineau-Thomas, O., Legentilhomme, P., Jaouen, P. et al. Influence of a swirl motion on the interaction between microalgal cells and environmental medium during ultrafiltration of a culture of Tetraselmis suecica. Biotechnology Letters 23, 1539–1545 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011981719732

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011981719732

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