PHILOS Megaflux-CRM Ceramic Nanofiltration Turns Waste into High-Value Polyphenols. Recovering Antioxidants from Olive Oil Streams
- gabriela2554
- Sep 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 25
Polyphenols are plant-derived antioxidants, most notably hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and oleuropein derivatives, valued in cosmetics and nutraceuticals for Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and stability benefits. Instead of paying to dispose of this stream, producers can clarify, concentrate, and valorize it.
Antioxidants Trapped During Olive Oil Production
In olive oil production, approximately 98% of low-molecular-weight polyphenols exhibit minimal solubility in the oil phase, instead partitioning into the vegetation water (olive-mill wastewater, OMW). This byproduct stream is dark, acidic (pH ~4–5), and heavily loaded with colloids, including emulsified oil, pectins, and fine particulates, that rapidly foul conventional separation equipment. Such matrix complexity hampers solvent and resin-based recovery, masking valuable antioxidants and driving up operational costs and downtime. Consequently, OMW represents both a costly waste treatment challenge and an underexploited source of high-value bioactive compounds.
Limits of Conventional Recovery: What You’re Fighting
Conventional separation equipment and processes
PHILOS Approach
Megaflux-CRM is a ceramic Nanofiltration (NF) module designed for high-solids, high-fouling streams. In a membrane train, it plays the clarification and stabilization role that makes downstream recovery efficient.
In a typical train, the feed first passes through screening/settling to remove grit and large particles; it then enters the Ultrafiltration UF stage (0.01–0.05 μm / 50–150 kDa MWCO), which strips colloids, emulsified oil, and other high-molecular-weight species to produce a clear, polyphenol-rich permeate; finally, Nanofiltration (NF) retains and concentrates the small-molecule polyphenols (e.g., hydroxytyrosol).
The waste stream, typically containing a mix of water, oil, and solid by-products, is filtered through the ceramic membrane.
The membrane’s fine pore structure allows it to retain the antioxidants while allowing water and other small molecules to pass through.
This recovery process not only helps reduce waste but also provides an opportunity to reintroduce these high-value antioxidants into the production process or even market them as a by-product, enhancing profitability.
What we’ve achieved:
Yield & quality: consistent polyphenol concentrates
Cost & uptime: fewer fouling events in NF, less chemistry, faster turnarounds
Sustainability: reduced COD load and on-site water reuse
Strategic value: from “wastewater” to branded antioxidant ingredients for premium skincare and functional nutrition
Whether it's improving whey antioxidants recovery or enhancing juice clarification, ceramic membranes ensure higher yields, reduced waste, and clearer products. By enabling the recovery of valuable by-products like antioxidants, they boost both sustainability and profitability.
For food manufacturers, ceramic membranes offer an energy-efficient, durable solution to optimize processes, recover high-value compounds, and enhance overall product quality.
Contact us at info@pmbr.co.kr or visit www.pmbr.co.kr to explore customized solutions for your membrane application.
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