Albumin is a plasma protein that maintains the colloid osmotic pressure in organism. Furthermore it acts as transport protein where antibiotics like penicillin are bonded and is pumped with the blood through the body. The efficiency of DTE back-impulse modules compared to conventional membrane technology was investigated by use of a 400 mg/l containing BSA model solution. The system pressure was 0.3 MPa. Additionally for the test run a ceramic TiO₂- membrane with a membrane area of 0.1 m² and 1 kD molecular weight cut-off was used.

According to the first graphic below the permeate flow could be stabilised at circa 70% of the initial permeate flow by application of a DTE RIP-module (impulse mode). Without RIP-module after 6 hours the permeate flux amounted to 60% of the initial value. In the filtrate respectively permeate an average protein concentration of 21 mg/l was analytical determined (second diagram right).

The last picture right showing two volumetric cylinders describes the concentration ratios in permeate and retentate after staining of the protein with a triphenylmethan dye. According to the right diagram below the protein could be concentrated by factor 3 within 6 hours.

As in the case of the treatment of laundry waste water or SiC-slurries as already described under conventional conditions and cross-flow mode normally in the membrane element a volume flow of 2,000 l/h is to set up to achieve an overflow velocity of 2 m/s. For this application it is also advantageous that by using of DTE back-impulse module it can be worked with a comparatively low feed flow of 75 l/h. Additionally, turbulent conditions are only generated in the retentate space, that means only there where the elimination of the membrane coatings is required.