The simultaneous effect of different fluxes and enzymes in a membrane system containing cherry juice: membrane fouling assessment

Nowadays, diminishing fouling issue through membrane systems are one the biggest challenges in the industry. In this study, the simultaneous effect of two fluxes 8.62 and 17.24 L m-2 h-1 and two enzymes pectinase and protease on the fouling subject in the designed membrane system were analyzed. The results depicted that when the flux values rose two-fold (from 8.62 to 17.24 L m-2 h-1) the ratios of cake hydraulic resistance (RC) to total hydraulic resistance (Rt) were increased 31% and 10% for no-enzyme and with-enzyme streams, respectively. These rises were so severe in the ratios of pore-blockings (RC) to total resistances (Rt) with almost 27% and 108% for 8.62 and 17.24 L m-2 h-1 fluxes, respectively. Likewise, using enzymes caused a decrease in the RC/Rt ratios for about 46% and 54%, respectively. However, applying these enzymes led to a 3.45-fold and 6.28-fold rise when the flux was raised from 8.62 and 17.24 L m-2 h-1.