Fermentation Broth – Cell Separation and Clarification

Process Description:

Upon completion of the fermentation process, the broth is first directed to the ceramic membrane system. Under crossflow filtration, solids such as bacterial cells, cell debris, and insoluble proteins are efficiently retained, yielding a clear permeate. This step is typically referred to as microfiltration (MF) or ultrafiltration (UF).

Key Advantages:

High temperature resistance and strong acid/alkali tolerance: Enables direct heat treatment (sterilization or inactivation) of the fermentation broth, and withstands CIP (clean-in-place) using high concentrations of acids and alkalis for effective cleaning, thoroughly removing membrane fouling and restoring flux.

High mechanical strength and long service life: Capable of withstanding high-pressure backwashing, with a service life of 5–10 years and minimal performance degradation over time.

Organic solvent resistance: Suitable for special fermentation processes.

Typical Applications:

Cell separation from fermentation broths of antibiotics, organic acids, enzymes, amino acids, and other products.

Serves as a pre-treatment unit for downstream purification processes, providing high-quality clarified feed solutions for subsequent refining steps.