Zwitterco Unfiltered: Real Talk on Membranes

In this episode of ZwitterCo Unfiltered, Jon Goodman and Scott Brown record live from CheeseExpo, sharing what they’re hearing directly from food & dairy processors across the industry. With record attendance and strong market conditions, the conversation reflects a sector focused on growth, efficiency, and maximizing output.The discussion covers rising protein demand, the continued shift toward higher-value products like MPC, MPI, and WPI, and how some plants are beginning to rethink traditional processing steps. Jon and Scott also dive into technical conversations from the show floor, including replacing nanofiltration (NF) with superfiltration (SF), simplifying cleaning programs, and reducing reliance on enzyme washes.What You’ll Learn:How processors are shifting toward MPC, MPI, and WPI productionWhy some plants are evaluating SF as a replacement for NFHow simplifying cleaning programs can reduce downtime and operating costsWhere enzyme steps are being reduced or eliminated in cleaning programsHow dairy processors approach testing and qualifying new membranes

In this episode of ZwitterCo Unfiltered, Jon Goodman is joined by Scott Brown and Leonid Semenihin to answer a customer question about the global outlook for protein. From dairy protein ingredients to plant-based proteins and new food applications, the team explores how rising demand is shaping membrane processing around the world.The discussion covers the shift toward higher-protein dairy products like milk protein concentrate (MPC), milk protein isolate (MPI), and whey protein isolate (WPI), along with the growing role of plant proteins and fermentation-based production. Jon, Scott, and Leonid also highlight several emerging membrane applications – including downstream bioprocessing, beer dealcoholization, and water reuse – where fouling and operating efficiency are major considerations.What You’ll Learn:Why global demand for protein is expected to continue growing rapidly How dairy processors are shifting toward higher-protein ingredients like MPI and WPI Why plant proteins often create more challenging fouling behavior than dairy streams How membranes can be used for beer dealcoholization while preserving flavor Where membranes are being used in downstream fermentation and biotechnology processes How processors are thinking about water recovery and reuse in food production

In Episode 2 of ZwitterCo Unfiltered, Jon Goodman and Scott Brown answer common customer questions then dive into one of the most revealing topics in membrane troubleshooting: element autopsies.From glue lines and wrinkles to brittle membrane folds and unexpected debris, membrane autopsies can tell you exactly what’s happening inside your system, and why performance may be slipping over time. In this episode, Jon and Scott share real-world stories from dairy and food plants and explain how autopsies help troubleshoot failures, fine-tune cleaning programs, and prevent repeat issues.What You’ll Learn:How anti-fouling membranes enable simplified cleaning programs and reduced downtime What membrane autopsies reveal about fouling, wrinkles, cracks, and leaf damage How overcleaning and aggressive washes can weaken membranes over time The most common “surprises” found inside failed membrane elements Why element weight can be a major clue during troubleshooting Why ZwitterCo elements typically don’t require system modifications

Episode 1: Why Anti-Fouling Membranes Are Changing Protein ProcessingIn the debut episode of ZwitterCo Unfiltered: Real Talk on Membranes, Jon Goodman and Scott Brown break down why operating flux matters more than clean water flux in protein concentration.Drawing from real food and dairy plant experience, they explore how anti-fouling membranes deliver higher productivity, easier cleaning, and better performance overall. They also share a real-world case that eliminated biofilm and removed the need for the enzyme wash - simplifying the cleaning program.What You’ll Learn:Why higher operating flux is possible even with lower clean water fluxHow anti-fouling membrane surfaces create thinner gel layers and better performanceThe real impact of simpler cleanings on uptime, chemical usages, and productionHow higher flux at high solids is attainable without more equipmentA real-world example of biofilm elimination in a seal water reuse system