Membrane Filtration Systems for microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) are used for concentration, separation and purification purposes in the processing of both natural and semi-synthetic antibiotics, a technology area in which GEA Process Engineering has been involved since the early 1980’s giving our customers unrivalled experience.
Separation & Purification
UF/MF systems can be used to separate cells from antibiotics. The UF/MF process offers a higher yield and as the permeate is crystal clear, the downstream processing is more efficient. UF/MF substitutes traditional processes such as drum filters and centrifuges.
Cell disruption is necessary when the product is intracellular. This can be done by using an homogenizer. UF is very well-suited for the separation of product and cell debris, and is considerably more efficient than traditional processes and is completely clear and free from any cell debris.
Concentration & Purification
RO/NF processes can be used for concentration and purification. Concentration through RO/NF is much more energy efficient and gentler than using an evaporator. By using NF membranes it is possible to have a large amount of inorganic salt as well as lower molecular weight impurities permeate the membrane, while the antibiotic is retained and thus con¬centrated and purified.