Fouling mechanisms of ultrafiltration membranes fouled with traditional Chinese medicine pectin based on Hermia model / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To provide fundamental information regarding the complex phenomena of membrane fouling caused by the pectin in traditional Chinese medicine extracts and investigate the accuracy and viability of the Hermia model in the determination of fouling mechanisms. Methods: The pectin and simulated solutions of pectin and small molecular pharmacodynamic substances (berberine) in Chinese herbal extracts were used as the object of study. The Hermia model was used to study the fouling mechanism according to the flux changes in the membrane process. Results: The pectin simulated solutions were researched by mathematical model and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). The result showed that the formation of the cake layer was the main cause of flux decrease and membrane fouling. Conclusion: Hermia model can be used as a method to study the membrane fouling mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine extracts, which can provide basic information for the complex phenomenon of membrane fouling caused by ultrafiltration of Chinese herbal medicine aqueous extracts.