Response Surface Methodology Optimization and Kinetic Study of Ultrafiltration-Enhanced, SCER-catalyzed Hydrolysis of Lard

Abstract

Abstract The integration process of polyethersulphone (PES) ultrafiltration with catalytic hydrolysis of lard was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The influences of molar ratio of water to lard, reaction time and transmembrane pressure on the fatty acids (FAs) yield were investigated. Results showed that the maximum FAs yield of 99.52 % was obtained under the optimized conditions of molar ratio of water to lard of 6.0:1.0, reaction time of 10.0 h and transmembrane pressure of 100.0 kPa. Moreover, the membrane cleaning efficiency was studied after four cleanings. Furthermore, the kinetic model of membrane separation process was investigated and the activation energy and pre-exponential factor were determined.