Case Study: The Impact of ZwitterCo Membranes at Solugen
Solugen, a leading biotech and clean technology company, has revolutionized the chemical industry through its innovative chemi-enzymatic processes. Their water-based chemical production is a significant departure from traditional petrochemical methods that rely on metal catalysts and solvents. To enhance their production efficiency and sustainability, Solugen partnered with ZwitterCo, an advanced membrane technology company.
The Challenge
Solugen’s unique water-based process relies on the need to retain and preserve enzymes from water and other impurities. Before joining forces with ZwitterCo, Solugen was primarily using hollow fiber membranes that rapidly fouled, leading to frequent replacements and increased operational costs. This unsustainable approach created a challenge that threatened Solugen’s innovative business model, creating a need for a more efficient and reliable solution to maintain their commitment to sustainable chemical production.
The ZwitterCo Evolution Membrane Solution
Faced with the challenge of finding a sustainable replacement for their hollow fiber membranes that fouled quickly, Solugen turned to ZwitterCo for a solution that would transform their approach to water treatment and enzyme preservation. Evolution membranes feature a unique zwitterionic chemistry which serves as a permanent barrier to irreversible organic fouling, making them ideal for bioprocessing applications like Solugen’s. This proprietary anti-fouling chemistry is extremely hydrophilic while actively displacing or repelling organic compounds so they cannot adhere to and foul the membrane. These features allow bioprocessors to benefit from reliable operations, simpler cleanings, and more.
Switching to ZwitterCo’s technology brought about several key improvements:
1. Enhanced Efficiency: After implementing Evolution membranes, Solugen improved cycle times by over 100%, ensuring consistent performance and boosting productivity.
2. Reduced Maintenance: Evolution membranes maintain performance for years. This significantly reduced element replacements, with Solugen estimating over 400% savings in just nine months.
3. Streamlined Cleaning: Zwitterionic technology allows 95100% restoration of original membrane performance with a simple warm water flush, caustic wash, and rinse, reducing downtime and harsh chemical use.
4. Seamless Integration: Installing Evolution membranes was straightforward and seamless, allowing Solugen to quickly integrate them and reap the benefits of the new technology right away.
Conclusion
The partnership between Solugen and ZwitterCo shows how collaboration and innovation can solve complex challenges for bioprocessors. ZwitterCo Evolution anti-fouling membranes have transformed Solugen’s operational efficiency, reduced costs, and ensured sustainability in chemical production. This collaboration continues to benefit both companies, significantly impacting sustainability and efficiency in the industry.