Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the filter addition in centrifugal cryoconcentration. The cryoconcentration process was optimized by Response Surface Method using initial concentration (C-0) and centrifugation speed (CS) (independent variables) and efficiency (eta), percentage of concentrate (PC) and solute yield (Y) (dependent variables), under radial and axial freezing conditions. The optimal interactions were 5 (wt.%), 3850 rpm and axial condition, with high final solute concentration, and extraordinary separation, with 86%, 63% and 0.87 (kg/kg) for eta, PC and Y, respectively. Therefore, the centrifugal filter cryoconcentration allowed the migration of solutes between the crystals, and the filter improved the separation and elution process of the concentrated solution from the ice.