Membrane filtration technology plays a critical role in the dairy, food and beverage industries—enhancing product quality, improving yield, and boosting operational efficiency. But selecting the right system isn’t always straightforward.
At Sycamore Process Engineering, we understand that investing in a new membrane filtration system is a strategic decision. That’s why we deliver advanced membrane solutions in collaboration with Wafilin Systems, a recognised expert in membrane filtration technology. Together, we combine process engineering expertise with cutting-edge membrane innovation to help our customers across the UK and Ireland achieve optimal performance.
1. Define Your Filtration Objectives
Every membrane system should be designed with a clear application in mind. Are you aiming to recover or fractionate functional components, reduce microbial load, concentrate liquids, or recover water? The answer will dictate the right type of membrane, such as microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), or reverse osmosis (RO).
Through our partnership with Wafilin Systems, we ensure the right membrane technology is selected and expertly integrated to meet your precise application needs.
2. Understand Your Product and Process Compatibility
Different feedstocks behave differently under membrane separation. Viscosity, temperature, solids content, and pH all influence system design and membrane selection. Whether you’re processing high-fat dairy streams, fruit-based beverages, or temperature-sensitive food ingredients, we take the time to assess your product and process conditions thoroughly.
Sycamore and Wafilin work collaboratively to carry out surveys, ensuring your membrane system is engineered for compatibility, durability, and efficiency, right from the start.
3. Consider Energy and Water Efficiency
Membrane filtration is increasingly chosen for its sustainable credentials. However, the efficiency of a system depends on correct process design. Look for solutions that minimise energy usage, optimise water recovery, and support closed-loop processing.
Wafilin’s membrane technology is engineered for high recovery and low energy consumption, and Sycamore’s engineering team ensures it is delivered as part of a turnkey solution that’s aligned with your sustainability goals.
4. Prioritise Cleaning and Membrane Health
To keep operations running efficiently, your membrane filtration system must be hygienically designed and easy to maintain. Membrane selection plays a vital role in determining how the system can be cleaned. Different membrane materials (such as polymeric or ceramic) have specific tolerances to temperature, pressure, and chemical agents. Using the wrong cleaning regime—or the wrong chemicals—can shorten membrane lifespan and compromise system performance.
Membrane selection is carried out with Wafilin in close collaboration with our customers, ensuring the chosen membranes are optimally suited to the specific application and process conditions. In consultation with the customer’s chemical supplier, we then help define the appropriate cleaning protocol to maintain membrane health and long-term system performance. The correct balance between membrane type, cleaning frequency, and chemical formulation is essential to maintain membrane health, maximise system uptime, and reduce operating costs.
5. Plan for Scalability and Integration
A membrane system is a long-term investment, so it needs to grow with your business. Scalability, modular design, and ease of integration with existing plant infrastructure are all key considerations. Whether you’re planning incremental capacity increases or diversification into new products, future flexibility is essential.
Sycamore’s team works with your site layout, automation platform, and process targets to deliver a system that integrates seamlessly, now and in the future.
Powered by Collaboration: Sycamore + Wafilin
Our partnership with Wafilin Systems allows us to bring world-class membrane solutions to UK and Irish manufacturers. Wafilin’s specialised knowledge in membrane configuration and application design, combined with Sycamore’s end-to-end process solution offering and dedicated Parts and Service Team that provides long-term customer care through spare parts, training, health checks and maintenance, ensures a bespoke solution that delivers the results you expect.
Ready to explore membrane filtration for your process?
Get in touch with our team to discuss how a bespoke membrane