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
Ultrafiltration and microfiltration 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. Ultrafiltration and microfiltration 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. Ultrafiltration 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
Reverse osmosis and nanofiltration processes can be used for concentration and purification. Concentration through reverse osmosis and nanofiltration is much more energy efficient and gentler than using an evaporator. By using nanofiltration 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 concentrated and purified.