Commercial and industrial businesses have a plethora of water treatment technologies for the removal of contaminants of different natures. Among the available methods is reverse osmosis (RO) technology, which is widely used because of its effectiveness and efficiency. Industrial RO systems use a semi-permeable membrane to remove chemical and biological contaminants, as well as dissolved ions. Contaminated water is subjected to high pressure, which leads to filtration through the membrane, leaving behind contaminants for disposal or further treatment. Purified water can supply or feed industrial processes, and it also meets strict environmental standards, making it safe to discharge. There are many benefits to using this treatment system, such as the removal of up to 99% of contaminants, adherence to stringent industrial and environmental standards, and reducing costs. Because of this, it is used in many industries, including mining and extraction, tourism and hospitality, and pharmaceuticals – to mention just a few. This article will discuss the industrial RO process in the food and beverage industry. Benefits of RO in the Food and Beverage Industry If there is one sector that’s strict about quality, it's the food and beverage industry. You would know if your favourite food or beverage tasted weird or had peculiar odours, and you also expect the taste and flavours to be the same, regardless of location. To that end, stringent standards ensure exceptional cleanliness to produce quality products every single time – and this includes water purification. Some of the notable benefits of the RO system are as follows. Consistency: An RO system consistently delivers high-quality water of similar composition, taste, and characteristics, for consistent taste and flavour of the end product. Removes undesirable taste and odours: Purification before supplying various processes removes undesirable taste and odours primarily attributed to the source. Safety and hygiene: Industrial RO removes impurities, bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can pose safety and hygiene issues. Extended shelf life: By getting rid of impurities and microbes, products remain fresher for longer periods of time. Types of Businesses that Use Reverse Osmosis These are some of the businesses that rely on the reverse osmosis treatment method: Bottled Water Companies: RO is an effective method that produces potable water by removing impurities. The process is fast and has no environmental impacts, making it suitable for high-supply businesses. Breweries and Distilleries: The taste and quality of beer and spirits can be greatly affected by the quality of the water. Using an RO system ensures the consistent quality of the supply feed, and keeps it free from contaminants and impurities. Dairy Processing Plants: A reverse osmosis system removes dissolved solids, which directly influence the texture and taste of milk. In addition, it is used in the milk filtration process, where it removes undesirable fats and protein molecules to preserve its purity. It also provides safe, ultra-pure means for rinsing dairy products, as well as equipment for hygiene purposes. Food Processing Plants: Food processing businesses use water for cooking, mixing, cooling, and cleaning; thus, strict standards must be maintained for consistent taste and flavour. An RO system removes impurities for high quality, safe finished products. Winemaking: Reverse osmosis is used to restore flavour in winemaking. Wine is pumped under high pressure, which filters water and ethanol through a semi-permeable membrane. The liquid left behind is full of the good components that make up the wine, while the filtered mixture contains undesirable substances that negatively impact the flavour. Industrial RO is an effective treatment method that’s very popular in the food and beverage industry. This is because it can remove impurities and other components that affect the quality, taste, and flavour of the finished products. Since each business is unique, working closely with a professional company to address those specific needs ensures effectiveness and exceptional results. For businesses considering using reverse osmosis, consult a reputable company for installation and maintenance of the system. Author Plate Sean Clifford is an advisor at AllWater Technologies Ltd, a wholly independent company providing consultation and water treatment equipment, including industrial RO (reverse osmosis) systems and other effluent treatment plant. Bringing together a host of experience and specialist knowledge, the company is committed to building and maintaining long-term relationships and creating maximum value and benefit for their customers.
Related Articles -
industrial, RO,
|