R.O. - Juice Data Evaluation-

[Shanzon]

Hi..
My question is about RO and Fruit Juice..

Feed: 8 to 12ºBrix
Concentrate Target: 15 to 20ºBrix
Permeate: 0º Brix (No sugar--ok)
2 Membrane Supplier.
Pilot Plant - 2 (4 x 40") elements
* Feed from industrial pipe, it is not a lab experiment.

I have ran 6 experiments/suplier using spiral wound membranes to concentrate orange juice. I have many data in front of me...but it is not easy to evaluate all of these numbers...I need directions...Please!!
Main questions:

a) I have observed feed variation, but I have adjusted system to keep concentrate target each experiment. For example: If I have data process of concentrate 20º Brix from a Feed 8ºBrix, can I compare against a concentrate 20ºBrix produced from Feed 10.5ºBrix? I believe, yes because the concentrate is the responsable to impact in process (pressures, etc). am I right?


b)Usually, what is the feasible ($$) permeate flux (L/m2*h)in R.O. for juice processes? Where can I take a reference/paper?

c)I am sure these data are valuable to write a paper to help people from membrane world..but first I have to make conclusions.


Thanks in advance!!!