Resumen
Cross-flow microfiltration using ceramic tubular membrane was applied for treatment of steepwater from corn starch industry. Experiments are conducted according to the faced centered central composite design at three different transmembrane pressures (1, 2 and 3 bar) and cross-flow velocities (100, 150 and 200 L/h) with and without the usage of Kenics static mixer. For examination of the influence of the selected operating conditions at which usage of the static mixer is justified, a response surface methodology and desirability function approach were used. Obtained results showed improvement in the average permeate flux by using Kenics static mixer for 211 % to 269 % depending on experimental conditions when compared to the system without the static mixer. As a result of optimization, the best results considering flux improvement as well as reduction of specific energy consumption were obtained at low transmembrane pressure and lower feed cross-flow rates.