Plant Extract Ceramic Membrane Filtration & Ambient Nanofiltration Concentration System
During plant extraction, numerous impurities including plant protein, vegetable colloids, tannins, starch, fibrous residues, microbial biomass, saccharides and mineral salts leach out together with the extracting solution. These impurities render the extract suspension turbid, severely interfering with subsequent purification and crystallization procedures as well as final product quality. Typical adverse outcomes include difficult pigment removal, frequent and severe resin pore blockage, increased extraction & recrystallization cycles, and irregular color & morphology of crystalline products.
Conventional processes such as centrifugation, plate-and-frame filtration, clarifier addition, alcohol precipitation, macroporous resin adsorption and liquid-liquid extraction fail to achieve efficient clarification, separation and purification of plant extracts. They also bring multiple drawbacks: rapid filter clogging, massive consumption of organic solvents in alcohol precipitation, frequent resin fouling, high energy loss in thermal concentration, emulsification during extraction, repeated recrystallization steps, and large volumes of extraction wastewater that impose heavy environmental burdens.
I. Application of Membrane Filtration Technology in Plant Extraction
With years of practical experience serving plant extract manufacturers and proprietary advantages in membrane filtration technology, BluewavBio has developed a complete integrated membrane process covering impurity removal filtration and ambient-temperature concentration of plant extracts.
Extracts processed by this membrane system feature high purity, outstanding stability and excellent instant solubility. Finished products contain zero organic solvent residues. The whole production workflow is safe and clean, achieving near-zero pollution and zero liquid discharge with superior environmental performance. Meanwhile, membrane concentration drastically cuts energy consumption and overall manufacturing costs.
II. Membrane Process Flow for Plant Extraction
Crude plant extract → Centrifugal separation → Ceramic membrane filtration → Nanofiltration membrane concentration → Downstream processes
III. Advantages of Ceramic Membrane Filtration Technology for Plant Extraction
- After preliminary centrifugation, ceramic membrane filtration eliminates macromolecular impurities such as protein, tannins, starch, plant fibers and polysaccharides, significantly boosting extract clarity, product purity and quality;
- Fully clarified filtrate protects downstream concentration membranes, stabilizes concentration performance and extends the service life of concentration membrane elements;
- Ceramic membranes withstand intensive washing, support backflushing and high-temperature sterilization, with a far longer service life than organic polymer membranes;
- Ceramic membranes possess stable physical properties and allow dry storage, facilitating convenient preservation and daily maintenance;
- The membrane system features simplified workflow, automatic modular design and low labor intensity. It can be seamlessly integrated into existing production lines and supports scalable mass production;
- The entire system is constructed with sanitary-grade materials and complies with GMP and relevant industrial standards.
IV. Typical Application Scenarios
Chinese Herbal Medicine Extracts
Purslane extract, Isatis root extract, Folium Isatidis extract, Epimedium extract, Astragalus extract, Codonopsis extract, Licorice extract, Ginseng extract, Notoginseng extract, Pueraria root extract, Mulberry leaf extract, Ligusticum wallichii extract, Angelica sinensis extract, Andrographis paniculata extract, Dendrobium officinale extract, Eucommia bark extract, American ginseng extract, etc.
Food Raw Material Extracts
Bitter melon extract, cucumber extract, tea extract, coffee extract, rose extract, hawthorn extract, celery extract, spinach extract, corn silk extract, etc.
Filtration test effect pictures reserved
