Alfa Laval Launches New Multipurpose Membrane Filtration System
40
With sterling volatility affecting SME pharmaceutical and food manufacturer costs around raw materials and ingredients , a prominent processing equipment supplier is highlighting the importance of flexibility in production lines .
The current weakness of the pound , combined with the rising cost of energy has put pressure on stakeholders in both sectors to optimise processes . In response to this demand , Alfa Laval has launched the MultiSystem , the latest development in its lab and plant equipment range .
A new cross-flow skid-mounted membrane filtration system that can be seamlessly connected to both up and downstream operations , it increases flexibility across a range of process applications . This includes the purification of proteins , sugar and starch , concentration of peptides and amino acid streams and recovery of water from condensates , as Ian Forrester , Business Unit Manager for Separation Systems at Alfa Laval , explains .
He said : “ Until recently , membrane filtration systems would be designed bespoke to the needs of each operation , which can prove not only costly , but time-consuming and difficult to integrate into the wider process . At a time when bills are rising and raw materials and ingredients from abroad are rising with the falling pound , these inefficiencies can place SMEs under significant strain .
“ For this reason , we have developed our new MultiSystem as a standardised offering for food , beverage and pharmaceutical applications . The launch of the MultiSystem marks the completion of our lab and plant equipment range , meaning businesses of all shapes and sizes are now able to benefit from membrane filtration technology .”
As the largest of the lab and plant equipment range , the MultiSystem has a test processing capacity from 100l / h to 6m ¬³/ h , and testing volume ranging from 500l / h up to several m ³.
Crucially , the MultiSystem can test all filtration processes , including microfiltration , ultrafiltration , nanofiltration and reverse osmosis in batch , semi-batch and continuous modes . Diafiltration mode is also available as standard .
The module is also compatible with Alfa Laval ’ s entire range of 8.0 ” spiral membranes , which can be quickly and easily interchanged , and features a PLC-based control system also enables automatic control of production sequences . This includes flow , VCF ( volumetric concentration factor ), temperature , tank level , pressure and diafiltration volume or ratio control .
Ian concluded : “ The development process for the MultiSystem was undertaken with small and medium sized production lines in mind . The plant is capable of performing all of the key functions demanded of a filtration system , and can easily transition between these thanks its interchangeable membranes .”
“ Adopting a more flexible , standardised approach to the design of process equipment will allow manufacturers to diversify their offerings and increase efficiency without the need to invest in multiple pieces of technology , facilitating not only cost saving , but an improved workflow .”
Crucially , the MultiSystem can test all filtration processes , including microfiltration , ultrafiltration , nanofiltration and reverse osmosis in batch , semi-batch and continuous modes .
For more information on the Alfa Laval MultiSystem , visit : https :// www . alfalaval . co . uk / products / separation / membranes / membranefiltration-systems / multisystem /