Nanofiltration and ion exchange for the demineralization of whey
1998
Hutson, T. (Filtration Engineering Co, Champlin, MN (USA))
There have been many advances in Ultra-Osmosis (Nanofiltration) technology since the first International Whey Conference (1986). The first application for Ultra-Osmosis/Nanofiltration allowed Dairy Processors to demineralize salt whey drippings and add the concentrate back to their sweet whey stream. Since that time, many uses of the Ultra-Osmosis/Nanofiltration membrane have been commercially installed. These installations include converting hydrochloric casein whey to sweet whey, demineralization of ultrafiltration permeate and cheddar whey, and the purification of CIP solutions for reuse. A new use for the Ultra-Osmosis/Nanofiltration type membrane is in an application where the membrane system is used as pre-treatment to an Ion Exchange system for the production of 90/ plus demineralized whey products. The pre-treatment improves the product yields and reduces the operating costs of ion exchange systems. Most importantly perhaps is that the Ultra-Osmosis/Nanofiltration membrane removes 2/3 to 3/4 of the water at no cost if the systems operation is charged to the demineralization function. At the same time as water removal is taking place, demineralization of up to 40/ occurs with a minimal loss of lactose. The majority of the monovalent salts are removed while the divalent salts are highly rejected. These two features give the process sequence a unique economic advantage. The first Ultra-Osmosis/Ion Exchange plant for producing 90/ demineralized whey has been in operation in Australia for 3 years. The combination of technologies and the demand for specialized products will lead to the next generation of demineralization applications. This new technology will give whey processors the ability to tailor different products to their customers' needs.
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