Characters of Inulin Conversion Induced by Inulinase in Ultrafiltration Membrane Bioreactor

The objective of this study was to convert inulin to high output fructose with the commercial inulinase in the continuous ultrafiltration membrane bioreactor (UFMB). The effects of operational conditions were explored for the volumetric productivity. The model equations of kinetics and membrane fouling were also founded. The stable fructose production with the volumetric productivity was attained at the optimum condition of inulin concentration (100 g/L), E/S ratio (40 U/g) and residence time (20 min). The kinetics results showed that the experimental data obtained were fit to the model equations. Preliminary experimental results were attained the fundamental membrane fouling mechanism. These results demonstrated its feasibility and availability for efficient fructose production, which were beneficial to provide theoretical basis for further researches. Graphic Abstract The operational conditions were explored for the volumetric productivity. Model equations and parameters of kinetics were founded and obtained. The membrane fouling mechanism of UFMB system was founded.