Membrane technology in the rationalization of industrial processes: Experimental results

Abstract

The recent rapid development of membrane separation techniques such as RO and UF offers the possibility of approaching water pollution problems and energy saving rationalizing the industrial processes in the steps where the problems originate. The recovery of bioactive compounds from fermentation broths, the treatment of various solutions in the leather industry and in the wine processes, for example, combining UF,RO or ED have been tested in small and medium size italian Companies, and are today in operation at industrial level. Most part of the waste water problems previously existing have been solved and minimized without increasing the overall operating costs. In some of the cases described, on the contrary, the fall out of the membrane technology introduction, gave a significant increase in product quality and a decrease in the operating costs.