Analysis of mass transfer in beer dialysis and diafiltration with two different membranes

Abstract

Experimental investigation of selective alcohol removal from beer by dialysis and dialysis with transmembrane pressure (diafiltration), using two different hollow-fiber membranes: Cuprophan (regenerated cellulose) and polysulfone, was performed. The values of the main mass transfer parameters: hydraulic permeability, clearance, normalized mass flux, extraction ratio and selectivity were determined, and the influence of the flow-rates and the applied transmembrane pressure difference was analyzed. Based on these prameters, comparison of the two membranes was performed.