Identification of skim milk electroacidification fouling: A microscopic approach

Bipolar membrane electroacidification (BMEA) was used to produce high-purit y bovine milk casein isolates. However, a deposit suggested to be a mix of calcium and magnesium salts was observed on the cation-exchange membrane (C EM) side in contact with the base. The aim of the present study was to comp lete the identification of the deposit formed on CMX membrane during bipola r membrane electroacidification of skim milk, and to characterize its physi cal structure at the interfaces of CEM. The results showed that a calcium d eposit was found on both sides of the membranes as well as inside the membr ane. This fouling was identified as calcium carbonate, but was likely a mix between calcium carbonate and hydroxyde. (C) 2001 Academic Press.