A novel method improving low separation performance for W/O/W ELM permeation of erythromycin

The permeation of erythromycin, macrolide antibiotics, into a W/O emulsion globule was simulated with the multi-layer liquid membrane model and the formation of the unfavorable concentration profile in an emulsion globule, this would cause the low separation performance. It was, therefore, proposed that to control the formation of the concentration profile, the feed phase and emulsion should be contacted as the dispersed and continuous phases, respectively, in a spray column contactor. A series of permeation experiments were conducted by both batch and continuous operations with a spray column (height: 0.5 m, i.d.: 0.027 m). In the cases of batch permeation runs, erythromycin permeated through the membrane phase and was concentrated in the stripping phase. By the new contacting method, the improvement in the separation performance was achieved, also the stability of the emulsion membrane improved, specifically mechanical entrainment. Finally, a theoretical evaluation of the permeations with respect to the dispersion in the column is discussed.