Mitsubishi - Model KonKer -Zeolite Membrane for Food Dehydration and Concentration

“Zeolite” is the generic name for minerals with fine pores. As an agent for use in food manufacturing, zeolites are registered as an existing food additive in the food additives law. In addition, the zeolite membrane KonKer™ conforms to the standards for utensils, containers and packaging in the Food Sanitation Law of Japan.

KonKer™ utilizes the MSM1 (Mitsubishi Chemical High-Silica Membrane) zeolite membrane developed by the Mitsubishi Chemical Group Science and Technology Research Center, Inc.. It is highly water and acid resistant, and will not be corroded by fruit juices and other acidic foodstuffs (cannot be used with alkaline foods).Ask about its compatibility with liquids that conventional food concentration membranes (reverse osmosis membranes, etc.) donʼt handle well, such as liquids with high electrolytic concentration and liquids that include highly hydrophilic components. It can also be used with liquids that include solid material.

Dehydration Concentration Principle

The simplest method of concentrating liquid foods that include water is to heat them and evaporate the water. However, in this method, alcohol and flavor components that evaporate along with the water and components that degrade with heat are lost. The KonKer™ zeolite membrane has pores that allow only molecules that are the same size or smaller than water molecules to pass through, making it possible to dehydrate and concentrate without losing the foodʼs flavor and fragrance components.

Dehydration Concentration System Outline

By supplying the liquid you wish to concentrate to the exterior of the zeolite membrane element, then lowering the pressure inside the membrane element with a vacuum pump, only the water molecules in the target liquid are drawn into the membrane element. The water molecules are conducted into a cold trap (condenser) as a gas (steam), where they return to their liquid state and are collected. The target liquid outside the membrane element is concentrated, with only its water reduced.

Zeolite membrane for food dehydration and concentration KonKer™

Membrane Element

• Realizes durability with regard to high moisture content  and highly acidic liquids,  something impossible for  previous zeolite membranes.
• Itʼs now possible to selectively dehydrate and concentrate a variety of foods without heat.

Product Structure｜Tube-shaped zeolite membrane, connecting components for plumbing

• Measurements : Internal diameter 9mmΦ, external diameter 12mmΦ, length 400mm (membrane) 454mm (including connecting components)
• Weight : Approx. 100g
• Materials : Membrane: MSM1 zeolite, porous alumina Connecting parts: SUS304, PFA, FEP
• Applicable pH : Neutral-acidic (not for use with alkalis)
• Applicable temperature : 5ºC-100ºC