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Version: 20221219
D.
Preparation for first use
Conditioning of new membrane
Before using a new membrane with product it should be prepared for use. New membranes
are provided with a protective layer of water-soluble glycerin and / or preservative solutions
that should be removed before first use.
This is done by flushing the membrane for 30 minutes with clean hot water (50-55 °C). Do not
recirculate the water but lead both the retentate and the permeate to drain. After this rinse it
is recommended to perform a cleaning in place (CIP) cycle.
Determine the initial clean water flux
Once the membrane has been conditioned before the first use it is recommended to measure
the clean water flux of the new membrane. This value can be used throughout the lifetime of
the membrane as a benchmark for the efficiency of the CIP regime after each production.
The clean water flux should be measured at a set of standard conditions (pressure and
temperature) that can be repeated after every future CIP cycle. The value can be corrected to
a reference temperature (typically 25 °C) using a temperature conversion table.
E.
General Guidelines
–
Process
Guidance for processing of product
•
Avoid operating the unit at excessive flux leading to fast and high fouling of the
membranes
•
Recommended trans membrane pressure for microfiltration is 0.05 - 1 bar
•
Recommended trans membrane pressure for ultrafiltration is 1 - 3 bar
•
Maintain a positive trans membrane pressure (min 0.02 bar) when vibration mode is
on and always keep the permeate drain open. If using a permeate pump make sure
the pump is running whenever the system is operating