LeanFlux® is a brand new developed, next-generation membrane filtration system from SiccaDania Filtration that creates significant reductions in operating costs, energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The technology is patent-pending and challenges the well-known MF/UF membrane filtration plants, which have been used as a standard solution in the dairy and food industry for decades.
Recently, a number of Danish investors together with global supplier of plant-based ingredients Meelunie have committed to invest US$35 million in a factory equipped with the new technology. SiccaDania Filtration, a subsidiary of the SiccaDania Group, will deliver LeanFlux processors for the new factory located at Meelunie GPI A/S, in Hedensted, Denmark.
The driver behind the factory project is the desire to increase the local production of proteins to ensure a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and to contribute to the green transition of the agriculture sector. LeanFlux sets a new standard for efficient extraction of green proteins from fava beans and the production will replace soybeans from South America and protein powder from China.
LeanFlux – a greener solution
A very important step in protein extraction is two LeanFlux processors (each about 35 tons/hour). Here, valuable proteins from fava beans are concentrated in an ultrafiltration process (UF) and via subsequent spray drying transformed to high-quality protein powder. LeanFlux operates at 30-40% lower operating costs compared to traditional plants.
SiccaDania Filtration also supplies the RO plants, which reap further savings on energy and investment. This is done through reverse osmosis (RO), which concentrates the partial flow (UF permeate/residual products) from the UF processing plants.
At the same time, the consumption of water is reduced, as an efficient purification of the process water means that it can be recycled within the factory.
Contribution to greater sustainability
With LeanFlux, SiccaDania Filtration introduces a completely new system design, which means that the processing plants can be dimensioned more efficiently and constructed with a smaller footprint than before, thus saving operating costs as well as valuable square meters.
LeanFlux is a good example of putting innovation and forward-thinking first. Lars Bo Fredsted, CEO of SiccaDania Filtration said, “Our new solution makes the production of green proteins even greener. We owe it to the next generations that production takes place as sustainably as possible, and we are very happy to be able to make our contribution.”
Advantages for dairies using LeanFlux
Traditional MF and UF crossflow membrane filtration systems are installed at most dairies. As the dairy and food industry focus heavily on production costs and environmental impact, SiccaDania Filtration also sees great potential in LeanFlux for the dairy sector. LeanFlux is also suitable for concentrating and fractionating proteins in other food categories.
LeanFlux® – next-generation MF / UF membrane filtration
The well-known challenge in crossflow membrane filtration is the traditional “loop design”, where the parallel construction of pressure pipes requires a very high circulation flow to maintain the necessary crossflow.
LeanFlux solves this by using a unique system design with segmented modules and application software that ensures optimal control of key parameters in the process.
With LeanFlux, SiccaDania Filtration introduces a completely new system design primarily for MF and UF applications, which means that the systems can be dimensioned and constructed more efficiently with consequent significant operating savings. The efficient construction means that the system takes up much less space, and thus has a smaller footprint.
Meanwhile, operating costs are also up to 40% lower with LeanFlux compared to traditional crossflow filtering because the segmented design is significantly more efficient. It reduces energy consumption, water consumption and the use of cleaning agents, just as it provides less wear and tear on the membranes.
The LeanFlux solution is based on proven technologies, standard components and known flow principles. This makes it easy to implement LeanFlux® in existing production lines and plants.
