Crossflow membrane filtration

Crossflow filtration is a term used to refer to a membrane filtration technique in which feed flows parallel to the membrane (Harrison, Todd and Rudge). It is typically characterized by having high tangential fluid velocity and a low velocity normal to the membrane. Crossflow filtration is used in many applications of downstream processing including food processing, pharmaceutical production, and cell separation.

Comparison with conventional filtration

In an ideal crossflow filtration system the flux of permeate through the membrane will reach a steady state. This allows for much easier continuous removal of the target material when compared with conventional filtration. In practical applications, though, a cake builds up along the membrane, increasing in thickness further down the filter, as shown on the diagram to the right.

Additionally, because the fluid flow is parallel to the membrane—rather than normal to it as in a conventional filtration system—shear along the membrane prevents continual cake buildup. This contributes to the easy and continuous removal of the target material and reduces the need for cake washing. Fouling of the membrane can still occur along with concentration polarization