The power of synergies:Optimisation and integration of membrane processes

Conventional separation processes such as evaporators and separators often compete directly with membrane processes, i.e. microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO). The aim of this lecture is to highlight the potentials of combining membrane processes and conventional separation processes by the means of process synergies.
In the first part of the lecture the concepts of process synergies will be generally introduced and defined supported by industrial examples, e.g. the combination of reverse osmosis and evaporation as a process synergy to concentrate fruit juices compared to the use of evaporation as stand-alone unit.
The second part of the lecture will deal with the latest development of process synergies combining membrane processes with evaporators and separators. Examples of process synergies will be given with focus on applications in the bulk fermentation, food and process industry. The process synergies will be evaluated from a technical and economical point of view and compared with stand-alone units.