Increase flux and maximize productivity in MPC80 processing.
Producing MPC80 requires ultrafiltration (UF) membrane systems that concentrate the proteins in milk. The conventional polyethersuflone (PES) UF membranes used experience a natural build-up of organics as a gel layer on the membrane surface which 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
MPC80 is made of concentrated milk proteins and contains at least 80% protein. It is used in protein beverages, dairy products like yogurt and processed cheese, protein bars, and many more foods and ingredients where higher protein content is desired.
The manufacturing process begins with skim milk that is fed to a UF membrane system. As with other protein concentration membrane systems, the UF system contains 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 UF stages, tighter membranes are often used to help retain every bit of protein possible. After the UF system, the retentate is sent for drying to produce the final MPC80 powder product.
Since the UF permeate stream contains high concentrations of lactose, it can be sent to downstream lactose concentration systems. Click here to read more about lactose concentration.
Membranes Used in MPC80 Manufacturing
Conventional PES UF membranes have been used in MPC80 processing for many years without significant improvement to the membrane chemistry. 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 UF membranes and provide distinct value.
Higher Protein Retention in MPC75
- MPC system in Southwestern US
- Elements installed at same time in January
- Permeate quality in Stage 15 almost identical to Stage 14
- Protein in permeate from Stage 15 now about 1/3 what it was with the last set of membranes
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
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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.