Unified Modeling of Diafiltration Cascades: From Classical Designs to Novel Configurations

Abstract

This paper examines the wash efficiency of various multistage cascade diafiltration systems. In addition to the well-known batch, continuous co-current and counter-current systems, it introduces new concepts: batch counter-current and continuous counter-co-current configurations. Analytical formulas are available for all configurations to calculate wash efficiency with one washing factor. This approach allows for transparent comparison between different configurations and different numbers of stages in terms of solvent (e.g. wash water) usage and the required total membrane area. A thorough evaluation is conducted to assess the performance of each configuration. These models can be used for total cost minimization. Computation examples clarify the applications of the formulas.