A review of multistage membrane filtration approaches for enhanced efficiency during concentration and fractionation of milk and whey

This review considers the impact of combining discrete membrane filtration configurations in a multistage or sequential configuration to improve processing performance, energy efficiency and component selectivity in dairy processes. The review focuses on the impact of multistage membrane filtration on (i) concentration processes, through the examination of fouling accumulation and its impact on flux and energy efficiency, and (ii) fractionation processes, whereby the yield/purity of dairy components is assessed. Observations from single-stage and batch microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis processes reported in the literature are compared to the continuous multistage filtration processes common in commercial dairy installations.