Save money and maximize productivity in MPI processing.
Producing MPI utilizes ultrafiltration (UF) membrane systems that concentrate milk proteins. Conventional polyethersuflone (PES) UF membranes used in protein concentration develop a gel layer on the membrane surface caused by a natural build-up of organics, which ultimately decreases flux and cleanability. By using anti-fouling zwitterionic Evolution membranes, users can experience thinner gel layers than those on conventional membranes, resulting in a higher average sustainable flux and a simplified cleaning program that saves an hour or more of time each day.
Application Details
MPI is made of concentrated milk proteins, including both casein and whey, and contains at least 90% protein. It is considered a high-quality protein source and is used in nutrition and supplement products, dairy products, and other food products where increased protein content is desired.
Manufacturing of MPI begins with skim milk that is fed to a primary UF membrane system. Retentate from the primary UF system is then sent to a secondary UF system to concentrate protein further. As with other protein concentration membrane systems, the UF systems contain multiple stages of membranes in series to drive-up protein concentration. Diafiltration is also employed to wash out smaller components and increase protein retention.
Toward the latter end of the secondary UF stages, tighter membranes are often used to help retain every bit of protein possible. To obtain the protein content necessary for MPI, the secondary UF retentate is sent to even tighter membranes in an NF system. After the NF system, the retentate is sent for drying to produce the final MPI powder product.
Since the UF permeate streams contain high concentrations of lactose, they can be sent to downstream lactose concentration systems. Click here to read more about lactose concentration.
Membranes Used in MPI Manufacturing
The conventional PES UF membranes used in MPI processing have not had a significant improvement in membrane chemistry since they first started being used in this process years ago. With the novel zwitterionic anti-fouling chemistry used in Evolution membranes, milk processors can experience notable improvements to operating flux and cleanability, maximizing overall productivity. Evolution Protein Concentration Membrane (PCM) elements and Evolution Superfiltration (SF) elements are available as drop-in replacements for conventional membranes and provide distinct value.
Evolution PCM is an ideal replacement for 5-30 kDa membranes in protein concentration while Evolution SF can be used to replace tight UF membranes and open NF membranes. An added benefit of using Evolution SF in an NF system is that it can be cleaned with chlorine. Click here to learn more about NF replacement with Evolution SF.
Maximize productivity
By utilizing an anti-fouling membrane chemistry, Evolution PCM and SF membranes minimize gel layer formation at the membrane surface, allowing users to maximize productivity through the membrane.
Decrease cleaning costs by 50% or more
Evolution PCM and SF elements eliminate multiple steps from a cleaning program, saving money on chemicals, water use, and utilities—all while supporting more sustainable operations.
Minimize cleaning time
Evolution PCM and SF can reduce cleaning time by an hour or more per day—giving operators precious time back to focus on other critical tasks and producing more.
Simple implementation
Evolution PCM and SF elements are direct replacements for industry-standard products—no system modifications or new CAPEX required.
Podcast: ZwitterCo Unfiltered
ZwitterCo Unfiltered: Real Talk on Membrane Filtration is a candid, experience-driven podcast exploring real-world membrane applications across food processing, water, and wastewater treatment.
Reduce your cleaning costs by 50%.
With Evolution membranes, your cleaning programs are easier and shorter, enabling more uptime for operators to focus on other important tasks. With easier cleanings and less chemicals, plants enjoy significantly reduced time and labor required for maintenance.
Minimize gel layer formation, maximize productivity.
Evolution membranes feature the highest resistance to organic fouling, which reduces gel layer formation at the membrane surface and leads to higher sustainable average flux. This leads to more output, more uptime, more time for maintenance, and protection against equipment failure for dairy processors.
Simplified & sustainable operations.
Evolution membranes simplify cleaning programs and require fewer chemicals, while also reducing freshwater demand, energy consumption, and amount of wastewater generated.
- Reduced pumping
- Less water
- Less heating of CIP solutions
- Decreased chemical usage
- Reduced energy requirements
Improve your OPEX.
In whey protein concentration applications, Evolution membranes significantly reduce freshwater demand through their simplified cleaning process.
Reduced Operating Costs
With lower cleaning costs, decreased water usage, less wastewater generated, and lower energy requirements, Evolution membranes offer a significant decrease in OPEX.
Increase in Uptime
Evolution membranes offer more uptime due to shorter cleaning programs, freeing operators to work on other priorities.
Mott Case Study
Speak with our engineers to discover ways that ZwitterCo can support positive changes at your plant. With our help, you can reduce your hauling and avoid heavy OPEX spend on plant expansion.
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Industrial Wastewater Reuse
ZwitterCo has only polymeric membranes that can filter high strength organic streams without rapid and irreversible fouling. More description here to describe the kind of solutions we offer for NMP.
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Challenging Surface Water Treatment
Write a description about how we solve challenging surface water treatment problems. EMP for pure water.
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High Value Protein & Co-Product Separation
Write copy about our solution for protein bioprocessing co-product creation – EMP Process.
Remove Bulk Organics
Remove tough to fight organics, such as fats, oils, grease, and protein.
Fully Chlorine-Intolerant
Can endure aggressive cleaning without wear and tear
Runs at Low Pressure
Runs at low pressure by not removing salt, sugar, alcohol’s or other small molecules.
Replaces Biological Systems
Replace biological systems or coagulation/flocculation processes commonly used to treat organics.