The Role of Membranes in Anthocyanin Extraction
Anthocyanins are valuable natural pigments with antioxidant activity, but they are heat‑sensitive and easily degraded during traditional separation processes. Membrane separation technology, as a green and low‑temperature method, is widely applied in anthocyanin extraction. Microfiltration removes suspended solids and coarse impurities from crude extracts. Ultrafiltration intercepts macromolecular colloids, proteins and tannins to clarify the feed liquid. Nanofiltration achieves gentle concentration and partial desalination while retaining anthocyanins. This pressure‑driven process avoids thermal damage, reduces energy consumption and obtains high‑quality anthocyanin products. Membrane fouling remains the main challenge, which can be relieved by reasonable pretreatment and CIP cleaning. Overall, membrane technology provides an efficient route for the industrial production of anthocyanins for food and cosmetic use.
Disc Stack Centrifuge for Clarification and Concentration of Plant Extract
Plant extracts are widely used in food, health care products and cosmetic industries. The crude extract after leaching contains a large amount of fine suspended residues, colloids and macromolecular impurities, which affect the clarity, stability and subsequent membrane filtration load. Disc stack centrifuge is a high-speed phase separation equipment relying on centrifugal force to realize rapid solid-liquid separation. This paper introduces its separation principle, process configuration, operating points, advantages compared with plate frame filter press, and its combined application with membrane system. It also summarizes the control strategies for reducing extract loss and improving product quality.
Application of Hollow Fiber PVDF Membrane for Wastewater Recovery in Food Processing
Food processing wastewater usually contains residual protein, sugar, starch and fine suspended solids. Direct discharge will cause pollution and waste of usable resources. Hollow fiber PVDF membrane has outstanding chemical resistance, good tensile strength and strong anti-fouling performance, which is widely used in wastewater recovery of food factories. This article introduces the working principle, process flow, operating parameters, pollution control methods and practical benefits of this membrane system, and compares it with traditional sedimentation and sand filtration. It also analyzes its application limitations and optimized directions for stable long-term operation.
