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Membrane filtration

Being able to rely on its specialist team of researchers in the formulation of detergent products at the cutting-edge of biotechnology, Realco has been able to demonstrate, in the field, the superior effectiveness of its products compared to traditional chemistry.

We have learned, through experience with the largest players in the food industry, that the sector demands new solutions combining high performance, non-aggressiveness for the equipment and a positive environmental impact.

There are many advantages associated with enzyme-based cleaning of membrane filters:

1) Restoration of baseline flows

The action of enzymes (hydrolases) is to transform the organic macromolecules into different constituent elements. This action has two essential consequences for cleaning:

• the irreversible solubilization of the organic matter, an action which constitutes the very basis of cleaning. The hydrolysis of macromolecules weakens, takes apart and allows the lifting of thick layers of organic matter constituting the clogging on the membranes.
• the taking over and removal of these "products" from the enzymatic hydrolysis by the detergent base.

This action of deep hydrolysis of the clogged substrates allows:

• the restoration of an optimal filtration flow;
• the prolongation of the production phases;
• the elimination of periodic phases of soaking (synonymous with loss of production time);
• the reduction of cleaning cycles.

2) Maintenance of a high-performance and lasting tool

The working conditions of enzyme-based formulations make them a very effective and far from aggressive tool for the filters, even the most sensitive ones.

Enzyme-based cleaning is therefore appropriate both for ceramic surfaces and for organic surfaces traditionally found in membrane filtration.

In fact, the enzymes work at pH 7-10.5 and at less extreme temperatures (40-50°C) than the chemical products widely used at the moment. This type of cleaning is therefore not very aggressive for the membrane and allows its lifespan to be increased by up to a factor of 3.

3) Savings in time, energy, consumables

Using Realco's enzyme-based products allows the following savings to be made:

• Energy: working temperatures of 40-50°C
  => less energy to warm up the facilities.
• Time: shorter cleaning procedures and reduction of prolonged production stoppages, caused by periodic soakings

• Consumables: by using cleaning additives and highly concentrated products, product use is reduced, which can represent savings of up to 30% compared to traditional chemical solutions.

4) Improved hygiene against the appearance of biofilms

This improved effectiveness prevents the presence of organic residue in the porosities of the membranes cleaned. This therefore allows improved hygiene of the facility, and hence of the productions, since by limiting the potential nutritive sources for the micro-organisms, you prevent the development of biofilms.

5) Environmental value

Enzyme-based cleaning offers great value in terms of its positive impact on the environment:

1. Enzymes are natural, 100% biodegradable, proteins.
2. Enzymes have a positive effect on the quality of waste water. In fact, the organic matter present in the cleaning solution is hydrolysed and therefore appears in a more soluble form, but which is also more easily assimilable by the purifying micro-organisms .

The hydrolysis of the organic macromolecules is the first stage carried out by the bacteria in the biological water purification process. The presence of enzymes in the cleaning water allows this stage to be carried out before the waste water treatment facilities. The effluent is therefore "pretreated"; we refer to incorporation of the purification process right from the cleaning phase.