In cross-flow membrane filtration of fruit juices, the separation membrane process characterized by pore sizes in the range of $0.001 - 0.01\text{ }\mu\text{m}$ that retains proteins and large colloids while permeating sugars and salts is:
Options:
(A) Microfiltration
(B) Ultrafiltration
(C) Nanofiltration
(D) Reverse osmosis
Answer Key:
B
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
Ultrafiltration operates with nominal pore sizes between $1 - 100\text{ nm}$ ($0.001 - 0.1\text{ }\mu\text{m}$), effectively retaining macromolecules like proteins and pectins while allowing water, salts, and sugars to pass.