OBJECTIVETo compare the membrane filtration process of four membrane modules namely, FMX rotating disk flat membrane module, hollow fiber membrane module, tubular membrane module and filter cup membrane module, with traditional Chinese medicine compound Huanglian Jiedu decoction as the experimental subject.

METHODUnder the same experimental operating conditions, the four membrane modules in membrane filtration process of Huanglian Jiedu decoction were compared in terms flux, resistance distribution, transmittance of index components and membrane fouling.

RESULT AND CONCLUSIONThree membrane modules in the dynamic filtration form--FMX rotating disk flat membrane module, hollow fiber membrane module and tubular membrane module had more advantages than filter cup membrane module in the static dead-end filtration form in terms of permeate flux, transmittance of index components and membrane fouling. However, FMX membrane module that made the fluid in a strong vortex status had better performance than hollow fiber membrane and tubular membrane module in permeate flux and membrane fouling.