Summary
We successfully modified a membrane system to save on shipping costs and water usage. To achieve this, cheese whey was concentrated to reduce its volume, which directly impacts shipping costs. The water removed from the cheese whey was then repurposed for in-plant cleaning. Being able to reuse the water was not only sustainable, but also saved costs previously spent on city water for in-plant cleaning.
The Challenge
Reworking and adding to a used membrane system required detailed analysis and creative problem solving to determine the most cost effective solution. We utilized all the existing equipment and maintained the same footprint with the equipment we needed to add.
The hurdle that proved the most challenging was to discharge to a nearby creek any excess water not needed for in-plant cleaning. This required further processing of the water from the cheese whey and close monitoring to ensure it meets the required discharge limits to the creek.