IDM ¦ Technology/IT
Rising energy costs?
Decreased membrane flux?
What’s in my membrane?
PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION PROGRAM (POP)
for membrane filtration
A unique non-destructive procedure to assess organic,
inorganic and biofilm fouling.
Realco is bringing a completely
new approach to optimize the
performance of membrane installations
in the food and beverage
industry. Its unique technology
results in a significant increase in production
rates, extension of membrane life, water and
energy savings, and reduction of production
costs whilst using sustainable products.
Fouling, a critical issue in
performance
One of the most critical issues affecting the
performance of membrane processing systems
is membrane fouling. It is the result of
the accumulation of substances (organic,
inorganic, or a combination of both) on the
membrane surface and/or within the membrane
pores, which leads to deterioration of
membrane performance. The specific membrane
cleaner required depends on the type of
fouling that the membrane has been exposed
to. But it is a real challenge to determine the
types of fouling and the corresponding types
of cleaning products to use.
Membrane fouling is a serious problem
in all pressure-driven membrane separation
processes that reduces water flux and
production performance, as well as membrane
life cycle.
Fouling control strategy
Realco has developed a PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION
PROGRAM to determine the
type of fouling and the most appropriate
cleaner to use. This will enable membrane
systems to be cleaned effectively to recover
water flux, maximise production performance
and extend membrane life.
Using this unique program, our expert team
will first define the optimal rinsing time
in the cleaning procedure to avoid water
waste. A deeply cleaned membrane will
take more time to get fouled. The technician
will be able to save water by either:
• reducing cleaning frequency:
1 cleaning per week can be saved
(15%)
• reducing cleaning steps
• reducing rinsing time
The team will then apply the FOULING ANALYSIS
KIT, a patented method that provides
a precise diagnosis of membrane fouling.
Thanks to its unique and specific enzyme-
based solutions, the diagnosis is a precise
determination of the organic or inorganic
fouling on the membrane. The presence of
a potential biofilm contamination will also be
evaluated in a specific phase. This allows us
to recommend the right enzymatic cleaning
products and processes to be applied. Realco
offers to its clients 3 range of enzymatic
products with a portfolio of more than 15
products suitable to each industry.
1. ENZY+ CLASSIC: all-in-one
enzymatic solutions that are high
performance, simple to use and
cost-effective, suitable for a less
problematic installation in terms of
fouling.
2. ENZY+ SILVER: all-in-one solutions
of multiple enzymes, developed
42 · May/June 2021 ¦ international-dairy.com
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