Question

Membrane filtration refers to
(A) Separation of soils from liquids
(B) A separator is used which could be porous medium or membrane
(C) Helps in clarification of juices and separation of microbes
(D) Not commonly used in fruit juices, wine and beer
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only.
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D).
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

Membrane filtration basics:
Uses a semi-permeable membrane (a type of porous medium) to separate components. (A, B are True)
Widely used for clarifying juices and removing microbes (like bacteria/yeast) for cold sterilization. (C is True)
It IS commonly used in processing fruit juices, wine, and beer. (D is False)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Membrane filtration is a separation process that uses a semi-permeable membrane to separate substances based on their size, shape, or charge when a driving force (like pressure) is applied. Let's evaluate the statements:
[(A)] Separation of soils from liquids. The term "soils" here likely refers to solid particles or suspended matter. Membrane filtration is indeed used to separate suspended solids from liquids. So, this statement is true.
[(B)] A separator is used which could be porous medium or membrane. This is true. The core of the process is the membrane, which is a selective barrier. "Porous medium" is a general term that can encompass membranes.
[(C)] Helps in clarification of juices and separation of microbes. This is true. Membrane filtration (e.g., microfiltration, ultrafiltration) is widely used in the food and beverage industry for clarifying fruit juices (removing haze, pulp particles) and for cold sterilization by removing microorganisms like bacteria and yeast, thus extending shelf life without heat.
[(D)] Not commonly used in fruit juices, wine and beer. This statement is false. As mentioned in (C), membrane filtration is very commonly used in the processing of fruit juices, wine (for clarification and stabilization), and beer (for clarification, yeast removal, sterile filtration). Based on this evaluation, statements (A), (B), and (C) are true, while statement (D) is false. Therefore, the correct option is (2). (A), (B) and (C) only.