Clarification of fruit juice with ceramic membranes 

Coloured juice concentrates with stable clarity can be produced from coloured juices. The process not only improves the product but also provides savings in production costs.

Production of intensely coloured juice concentrates with stable clarity

The production of high quality juices or juice concentrates from coloured fruits is a complex task with a multiplicity of parameters which have an effect on the final quality. atech innovations gmbh, a German manufacturer of ceramic membranes, and the Swiss engineering company Unipektin AG have developed a filtration process by which intensely coloured juice concentrates with stable clarity can be produced from coloured juices. The new process not only improves the product but also provides savings in production costs.

Advantages of atech ceramic membranes in clarification of fruit juice

  • For predetermined raw material and plant technology the processing parameters, mechanical stress and thermal and enzymatic treatment are variable and can be adapted to the respective fruit
  • All measures are aimed at winning sufficient juice with the best colour yield from expensive raw material without endangering the subsequent juice stability with excessive extraction methods. High reliability under difficult operating conditions
  • Long service life, high sustainability
  • Energy and cost savings
  • Constant process stability
  • Low operating costs

 

Better color results and stability in the clarification/stabilization of colored juices

Membrane systems with ceramic membranes provide better color results and stability in the clarification/stabilization of colored juices than juices clarified and fined using conventional methods.  Less residual material is produced, since hardly any fining agent has to be used.

Membrane processes are characterized by fewer process steps during clarification compared to conventional methods and therefore lend themselves to automation, which means easier handling for the operating personnel.

Specifications

Channel Diameter (mm) Pore size Permeate performance (l/m²h) Temperature TMP Velocity in channel (m/s)
6 UF approx. 80-100 (depending on pollution level) 50-60 °C 122-140 °F approx. 1,5 – 3 bar approx. 21,7 - 43,5 PSI approx. 4 - 6
Container with filtered and unfiltered liquids

Comparison before and after filtration

Advantages and added value for the customer:

  • The ceramic membranes are capable of treating fruit juice in a stable long-term operation and the membranes were successfully regenerated.
  • Cleaning intervals were able to keep the FLUX value constant over a long period of time.
  • The ceramic membranes are chemical resistance – ready for use in a range between 0 – 14.