Beer microfiltration with static turbulence promoter: Sum of ranking differences comparison

The challenges of beer microfiltration are fouling and to get decent quality. These problems can be partially eliminated with the use of Static Turbulence Promoter (STP). In this study, STP (pitch diameter ratio of 2, 13.2 mm pitch length, 6.5 mm diameter, 241 mm length, and 1.2 mm thickness), Pall Membralox T1-70 membrane, and lager beer were used for the filtrations. Experiments were performed with combinations of different parameters, such as usage of STP (No/Yes), Transmembrane Pressure (TMP) (0.4-1.2 bar), and Retentate Flow Rate (Q) (50-200 L hr(-1)). Experiments were ranked with Sum of Ranking Differences based on the analytical properties, hydrodynamic and separation characteristics parameters. The best conditions were the following: STP = Yes, TMP = 0.4 bar, Q = 50 L hr(-1); STP = No, TMP = 0.4 bar, Q = 200 L hr(-1); STP = Yes, TMP = 1.2 bar, Q = 200 L hr(-1).