Tubular Membrane in Juice Industry

A Tubular Membrane for the juice industry is an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane system specifically designed to clarify, concentrate, and process fruit and vegetable juices. Unlike spiral-wound membranes, tubular membranes have a wide, open flow channel that makes them ideal for handling high-viscosity, high-solids feeds like juice pulp, purees, and other food streams that would quickly clog tighter membrane configurations.

Construction & Design

Membrane Material: Typically made from PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PES (polyethersulfone), or ceramic materials chosen for chemical resistance, thermal stability, and food-grade safety.
Tubular Configuration: The membrane is cast onto the inner wall of a porous support tube, with juice flowing through the tube's open center. Tube diameters commonly range from 8 mm to 25 mm, allowing pulp and fiber particles to pass without clogging.
Module Housing: Multiple tubes are bundled inside a stainless steel (typically 304 or 316L) sanitary housing, meeting food industry hygiene standards (3-A, EHEDG compliant).
MWCO (Molecular Weight Cut-Off): Commonly available in the UF range from 20,000 to 200,000 Daltons, selected based on the level of clarity needed in the final juice product.