Application of a benchtop TFF system for the assessment of CIP performance of detergent formulations for dairy UF membrane cleaning.

A benchtop tangential flow filtration (TFF) system was used to examine clean in place (CIP) processes relating to protein concentration in dairy processing. Permeability measurements were taken at concentration, cleaning and rinsing steps for 3 CIP formulations. Trends observed in the permeability measurements for each formulation provided insights on the interaction of each detergent with the ultrafiltration (UF) membrane. Membrane autopsies were carried out to gather elemental and infrared spectroscopic data as well as imaging of the gel and fouling layer composition on the surface after use. Fluorescence analysis of CIP cleaning solutions allowed for the identification of process solution compounds and formulation ingredients that were trackable during CIP. Irreversible fouling of the UF membrane was simulated and the efficacy of a novel CIP formulation in recovering permeability was assessed. Some benefits and limitations of the benchtop TFF for examining CIP formulation performance were identified.