Abstract: A membrane-based tangential flow filtration system is disclosed which includes optimized performance capabilities by taking into account the variety of flux and component passage behavior occurring during filtration processing. The system maximizes the recovery of a desired component in the permeate from a sample solution containing two or more components, in minimum time and with minimum filtration area, by optimizing the mass flux of the desired component by continuously controlling the rate of addition of a diafiltrate solution to the system to maintain the optimum balance of component concentrations.