Innovative zero-energy membrane technologies to reduce water consumption in the dairy industry

澳大利亚乳制品行业不仅在我们的生活方式中发挥着关键作用，而且加工乳制品占澳大利亚出口收入的12%或32.7亿美元。它学会了通过创新的膜技术来适应不断变化的市场需求，但现在能源和水是关键问题。该项目旨在通过使用包括膜蒸馏在内的新型膜工艺处理废水流来减少乳制品加工中的水消耗。能源由低品位废热提供，抵消了向工厂提供更多电力的需求。以零能耗的方式减少对水的需求将确保蓬勃发展的乳制品行业保持成本竞争力，并成为澳大利亚文化和经济的一个组成部分。

The Australian dairy industry not only plays a critical role in our way of life, but processed dairy products contribute to 12% or $3.27b to Australia's export revenue. It has learnt to adapt to changing market demands through innovative membrane technologies, but now energy and water are key issues. This project aims to reduce water consumption in dairy processing by treating waste streams using novel membrane processes including membrane distillation. The energy is supplied from low grade waste heat, offsetting the need to supply more power to the plant. Reducing the need for water in a zero-energy way will ensure the thriving dairy industry remains cost competitive and an integral part of Australia's culture and economy.