文摘
Depth filtration can be very attractive for initial clarification because of low capitalcosts and ease of operation. However, there is currently no fundamental understandingof the effects of the filter pore size and morphology on the overall capacity and filtratequality. The objective of this study was to examine the flux, capacity, and filtrateturbidity of a series of depth filters with different pore size ratings and multilayerstructures for the filtration of yeast cell suspensions. Data were analyzed usingavailable fouling models to obtain insights into the flux decline mechanisms. Filterswith small pore size provide high filtrate quality at low capacity, with the reversebeing true for the larger pore sizes. The multilayer structure of commercial depthfilters leads to improved performance, although the choice of layer properties is critical.The highest capacity was achieved using a multilayer filter in which the upper layerallows significant yeast cell penetration into the filter matrix but still protects theretentive layer that is needed for a high quality filtrate.