Zero Waste Membrane Technology for Whey Processing

Objectives: The study is currently significant insofar as it considers reprocessing of secondary resources represented by milk whey generated in bulk in the course of curd and cheese production. Methods: Zero waste method of whey reprocessing has been experimentally justified employing two stages of baromembrane technology: ultrafiltration at the first stage to recover macromolecular components followed by reverse osmosis concentration of lactose applying modern domestically produced membranes. Findings: The materials and methods for investigating the processes of ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis concentration of whey have been described. Proprietary solution has been suggested for whey ultrafiltration without its preliminary treatment using ceramic membranes of CUFE Type (ceramic ultrafiltration elements) (0.01). Optimum operating parameters for the processes of ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis concentration of whey have been experimentally established and verified in the workshop environment. A technological process for zero waste whey processing has been developed. The results of the experimental investigations have been discussed and the relevant conclusions have been made. Applications/Improvements: CUFE (0.01) ceramic membrane can be recommended as the most preferable technical solution for separating whey without any preliminary treatment during UF process. Recommendations are given for RO process conditions.