ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Integrated MF-RO filtration system for the separation of ascorbic acid salt

Shilpa S. Haramkar, Bhaskar N. Thorat, and Sachin V. Jadhav

Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga (E), Mumbai, India

E-mail: sv.jadhav@ictmumbai.edu.in

Received: 14 December 2024  Accepted: 24 July 2025

Abstract:

The integrated membrane process for clarification and concentration of sodium salt of vitamin C is projected as an emerging technology in operations where salts/ions recovery is the prime objective. This study presents a novel integrated microfiltration-reverse osmosis process. The study achieved a product recovery rate of 94.7% and an overall product retention of 91.40%. A significant contribution of cake layer and fouling resistance was observed indicating greater salt retention. The MF process effectively removed larger impurities, while the RO process concentrated the desired product. The average flux values for microfiltration and reverse osmosis unit were 14.13 and 7.19 L/m² h, respectively. The results indicate that the integrated MF-RO system can significantly enhance the recovery of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, demonstrating its potential for practical applications in industries focused on salts and ions recovery. Good restoration of water permeability of the membrane for both MF-RO was observed after cleaning treatment.

Keywords: Reverse osmosis; Microfiltration; Permeate flux; Sodium salt; Vitamin C

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-025-04273-4

Chemical Papers 79 (11) 7585–7594 (2025)