​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Membrane types and applications​

The heart in any membrane filtration process is the membrane itself, and choosing the best membrane for a given process is often a complex task. Membrane type, plant design and processing parameters should be carefully matched to meet the desired performance and cost-efficiency of the overall process. 

Tetra Pak is one of the world's largest providers of membranes for dairy applications, and we offer supply and replacement of membranes and all types of spare parts for membrane filtration systems.

Membrane types

polymer spiral wound

Polymer Spiral-wound

Features

The SW membrane element is a unique design, where a large membrane area is wound into a compact element. A number of membrane elements are fitted into a stainless steel housing to form a module, and a number of modules are built into a plant.


Benefits

  • Low cost
  • Compact design
  • Cost-effective processing economy
  • Offers a wide range of applications for the dairy industry


Typical applications

WPC/WPI, MPC/MPI, MCC, DWP, lactose free milk​, fromage frais, dairy- and plant-based ingredients​, coconut water, egg whites, water recovery

polymer plate

Polymer Plate & frame

Features

In Plate & Frame systems, membranes are laid on top of a plate-like structure, which in turn are mounted on PSO support plates. Used for UF of highly viscous products.


Benefits

  • Handles high viscosity products
  • Highly defined flow dynamics
  • High temperature resistance
  • Possibility of isolation of individual membranes
  • High configuration versatility

Typical applications

Cream cheese, greek yoghurt, labneh​, skyr, quark

ceramic tubular

Ceramic Tubular

Features

  • Ceramic membrane and support structure
  • Specific accurate pore size
  • 3 and 4 mm diameter flow channels

Benefits

  • Chemical and temperature resistant for easy CIP, excellent hygienic properties
  • Durable for long membrane life
  • High temperature resistance
  • Sanitizable
  • Defined flow conditions

Typical applications

ESL milk, greek yoghurt, dairy- and plant-based ingredients, coconut water​

Spore removal with membrane filtration

Combatting spores

Many methods are being used to kill and remove spores from milk and whey. Spores are particularly difficult to get rid of, being robust and some resistant to pasteurization, UV and gamma radiation, freezing, dessication, and treatment with chemical compounds. However, these approaches downgrade the quality of the product considerably, consume energy, and affect the environment negatively.

 

Ceramic microfiltration

An effective and environmentally friendly way to reduce the number of bacteria and spores drastically is the use of ceramic microfiltration, which ensures up to log 6 reduction. The bacteria and spores are removed from the product stream, along with bacterial enzymes and somatic cells.

Filtration membranes with milk in the background

Benefits

  • Increased product safety
  • Improved product quality
  • Reduced product loss
  • Low heat, high quality ingredients
  • Low maintenance costs
  • Improved process economy
  • Highlights

  • Up to log 6 reduction of bacteria and spores
  • Bacteria and spores removed from the product
  • Flexible and modular design
  • Long membrane life 10+ years
  • Easy to clean, membranes resistant to high pH and heat sterilizing
  • Relevant equipment

    Man using membrane installation tool

    Membrane tools

    We offer a number of handy and easy-to-use systems and tools for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your filtration system.

    Multi pilot plant spiral wound 60 bar

    Rental pilot plants

    We offer different types of easy-to-use pilot plants for rental. All the various dairy filtration pro­cesses can be tested by means of our different types.

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