Work

Concentration of skim milk using a multistage reverse osmosis, nanofiltration and ultrafiltration cascade and its influence on skim milk powder quality

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The goal of this study is to develop a multistage membrane filtration cascade using reverse osmosis (RO), nanofiltration (NF), and ultrafiltration (UF) to produce skim milk concentrate. Using the cascade or evaporation, skim milk concentrates with a dry matter of 40 %, 45 %, and 50 % were produced before being spray dried to produce skim milk powder. Ceramic rotating disc membranes were used to process the highly viscous skim milk concentrate in the UF stage of the cascade. By recycling the permeates of the NF and UF stages of the cascade, the composition of the final UF retentate was close to that of regular skim milk concentrate. The flux of the membrane cascade ranged from 0.9–13 kg m -2 h -1 . The concentrates showed some differences in composition and viscosity, resulting in only minor variations in the functional properties of the skim milk powders. Membrane cascades are an emerging technology for concentrating skim milk. Compared to evaporators, membrane cascades mostly require electrical energy. This means that their use could reduce the environmental impact of the dairy sector.

Source: International Dairy Journal

DOI: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2025.106520

Authors: Christian Zscherpe, Corinna Weissgerber, Saskia Schwermann

Institution: Hochschule Hannover

Language: English

Topic: Membrane Separation Technologies

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,290