Pall Corporation, a global leader in filtration, separation and purification, has developed a novel use for its SUPRApak filters as a new alternative to conventional sheet filters for increasing the efficiency of sweetener production by up to 72 percent. Overcoming the inherent disadvantages of classical sheet filtration, SUPRApak filters result in significant operational savings for sweetener producers. They also increase yield, process security and product quality, thanks to an enclosed hygienic filtration system that keeps out potential contaminants.
“In a highly cost-sensitive and competitive industry, every technical advantage is paramount in lowering sweetener production expense,” said Kathleen Berry, global marketing manager for food and dairy markets at Pall. “Increased process uptime and reduced product loss, reduced handling, cleaning and maintenance costs, and lowered filter material disposal are just some of the SUPRApak filters’ benefits. Operational savings of up to 72 percent when compared to old fashioned sheet filtration can be realized.”
Sweetener producers have traditionally relied on the use of conventional filter sheets, which typically are not fully drainable, resulting in lower product yield. In addition, cleaning, tear-down and installation of new filter sheets impacts process efficiency and labor costs. Finally, servicing a sheet filter involves maintaining multiple seals and, often, a hydraulic tightening ram.
SUPRApak filters result in significant operational savings for sweetener producers and increase yield, process security and product quality, thanks to an enclosed hygienic filtration system that keeps out potential contaminants. (Photo: Business Wire)
In contrast, SUPRApak modules may provide up to six times greater throughput than a comparable area of standard sheet filters while producing equivalent filtrate quality in a continuous sweetener production process. A new flow configuration maximizes the surface, depth and adsorption mechanisms of filtration that normally take place in sheet-based systems. The resulting estimated six-fold increase in filter life can reduce the cost of disposables (17 percent), labor for change-outs (95 percent), and yearly maintenance (73 percent), as well as product losses (94 percent). A recent field trial exemplified the SUPRApak filter’s improved throughput and longevity: 10,000 cubic meters (2.6 million U.S. gallons) of product were processed over a six-week period before filters required change-out.
SUPRApak filter technology capitalizes on the benefits and eliminates the inherent disadvantages of classical sheet filtration. For more information, visit www.pall.com/foodandbev.asp, http://www.pall.com/pdf/FBABSPSWTEN.pdf or http://www.pall.com/pdf/FBSUPRAPAKEN.pdf.
Pall Food and Beverage is a global leader in filtration and separation solutions for the food and beverage market. It serves the needs of the beer, wine, dairy, soft drink, bottled water, enzymes, food ingredient and associated industries. The company’s products are complemented by incoming water and waste water treatment systems, providing a complete approach to fluid management throughout the production process. Pall’s solutions help to ensure product quality and protect consumers while lowering operating costs and minimizing waste.
