Articles, systems, and methods related to multistep semi-batch membrane-based separation

Abstract

Certain aspects of the present disclosure are related to system and methods for the operation of one or more membrane separators. In one aspect, systems comprising a membrane separator, a first fluidic pathway comprising a first recirculation pathway and at least a portion of a feed flow pathway, a second fluidic pathway comprising a second recirculation pathway and at least a portion of the feed flow pathway, and valving are described. The first fluidic pathway having a first volume, in accordance with certain embodiments, fluidically connects from one or more outlets of a retentate side of the membrane separator to one or more inlets on the retentate side of the membrane separator. In some embodiments, the second fluidic pathway having a second volume smaller than the first volume fluidically connects one or more outlets of the retentate side of the membrane separator to one or more inlets on the retentate side of the membrane separator. In some embodiments, valving is configured to alter fluidic communication between an inlet on the retentate side of the membrane separator and the first and second fluidic pathways.

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