Patent Description:
Filtration is the separation of one material from another. Filtration may be effected by the use of a membrane. The material that is retained on the membrane is characterized as the retentate or concentrate. The liquid that passes through the membrane is the solute, filtrate or permeate, the latter being the term most commonly used with respect to membrane filtration. Soil remaining on the membrane after processing the stream is characterized as membrane fouling. These membrane filters must be subsequently subjected to a cleaning operation for the removal of any fouling that has occurred during the course of the treatment operation in order to continue to use such a filtration system for the continued production of permeate.

In the dairy, brewing & beverage, and processed food operations, membrane plants are used for fractioning, separation and up concentration of desired product components. Such membrane filters must then be subsequently subjected to a cleaning operation for the removal of any fouling that has occurred during the process.

Conventionally, hydraulic and/or chemical treatments have been used to clean these fouled membranes. However, these methods have not been entirely effective at efficiently removing most all of the deposited materials. Process that do provide a substantial removal of fouled material tend to be time consuming, costly in terms of energy and water usage over the multiple number of steps conventionally employed in such operations and in chemical treatments conventionally required for such cleaning operations.

Cleaning agents have been formulated to specifically address the nature and physicochemical properties of the foulants. These cleaning agents are formulated to attempt to break down the bonds that form between the foulants and the material the membrane is constructed from.

Chemical cleaning involves several steps that must be carried out in a specific defined order. First, the membrane must be rinsed to remove soils that have not readily become deposited on the membrane. The chemical cleaning solution can then be introduced to the membrane and held in place at the membrane for a certain defined time. Such cleaning steps must then be followed by another rinse step. The membrane is conventionally then subjected to other steps to remove the cleaning solution from the membrane including perhaps an acid treatment step and/or an alkaline treatment step with each of the employed steps being followed by another rinsing step.

Four parameters primarily determine the effectiveness of a cleaning agent. These parameters include contact time, chemical reaction, temperature and mechanical energy. These parameters are specifically related to the chemical-based cleaning agent being deployed as well as the nature of the foulants deposited on the membrane. The object of the present invention is to provide a process for cleaning a filtration membrane.

Cleaning agents have also included enzymes for enzymatic treatment of the membrane. Enzymatic treatment has been used in the cleaning operations for such membranes to break the deposited materials down into smaller compounds allowing for them to be more easily removed from the membrane. An enzymatic cleaning step can advantageously reduce or eliminate irreversible fouling that is likely caused by organic soil, e.g., protein and lipid adsorption on the membrane. Protease enzymes, in particular, catalyze the reaction of hydrolysis of various bonds using a water molecule.

<CIT> discloses methods for treating membranes and separation facilities and membrane treatment compositions. The separation facility includes a plurality of membranes for providing separation of a feed product. The method includes steps of providing liquid flow through a plurality of membranes; treating the plurality of membranes with a multiple phase treatment composition comprising a gaseous phase and a liquid phase at a volumetric ratio of the gaseous phase to the liquid phase of at least about <NUM>: <NUM>; and providing a liquid flow through the plurality of membranes.

<CIT> discloses a method for identifying the type of clogging in a membrane filtration apparatus having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, said method comprising a first step a) of supplying and flowing a first enzyme solution comprising at least one protease through said membrane filtration apparatus for a first predetermined time period, said first step a) being followed by a first measurement, performed at said at least one fluid inlet and/or said at least one fluid outlet of said membrane filtration apparatus, of at least one first parameter value making it possible to characterize the fluid flowing within said membrane filtration apparatus, said at least one first measured parameter value being compared to a value of the same parameter measured before step a).

<CIT> discloses a method for the inactivation of enzymes with a composition comprising a sulfonated peroxycarboxylic acid. The composition is contacted with the enzyme.

There remains a need in the art to provide an enzyme-based cleaning solution and a membrane cleaning operation that effectively reduces or eliminates irreversible fouling. If the filtration resistance after hydraulic cleaning is equal to the filtration resistance at the start of the previous filtration period then the fouling is considered to be complete reversible. If chemical cleaning needs to be applied, then the fouling is considered to be irreversible. There is a long-felt need for such a cleaning operation that can be accomplished with a reduction in any one or more of overall time, water usage, energy and chemicals.

The present invention relates to an enzyme-based cleaning method for cleaning membranes. Without intending to be bound by theory, the cleaning method of the invention results in a reduction in one or more of cleaning time, overall water usage, energy, and chemicals relative to conventional cleaning operations.

An aspect of the invention provides a method of cleaning a membrane comprising: pre-rinsing the membrane; cleaning the membrane using a solution comprising an enzyme and an agent having a pH compatible with the enzyme, the solution having a temperature compatible with the membrane; prevention of divalent ions in the solution from precipitation; reducing an activity of the enzyme by adding a binding agent capable of deactivating the enzyme to the solution, wherein the method is without rinsing the solution from the membrane from the time the solution is contacted with the membrane to the time used for reducing the activity of the enzyme; and post-rinsing the membrane for removal of the solution. In certain embodiments of the invention, the solution additionally comprises a surfactant. Further pursuant to this embodiment of the invention, the surfactant may comprise at least one of an anionic, a non-ionic and an amphoteric surfactant.

The binding agent may comprise at least one of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and any salt thereof, (hydroxyethyl)ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA) and any salt thereof, potassium tripolyphosphate (KTPP), a phosphonic acid and any salt thereof, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and any salt thereof, diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) and any salt thereof, gluconic acid (GA) and any salt thereof, glutamic acid diacetic acid (GLDA) and any salt thereof, methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and any salt thereof, iminodisuccinc acid (IDS) and any salt thereof, aminocarboxylic acids and any salt thereof, hydroxyethane diphosphonic acid (HEDP) and any salt thereof, aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP) and any salt thereof, <NUM>-phosphonobutane-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC) and any salt thereof, ethylenediamine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) (EDTMP) and any salt thereof, diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) (DTPMP) and any salt thereof, a polyacrylate, an acrylic acid-maleic acid copolymer and any salt thereof, and sodium gluconate (Na-gluconate) and any combinations thereof. Further pursuant to this embodiment of the invention, a concentration of the binding agent is from about <NUM> wt% to about <NUM> wt% based on the overall weight of the solution. In an embodiment of the invention, the binding agent comprises a partially neutralized polyacrylic acid having a molecular weight in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The method of cleaning the membrane, comprises the step of adding a binding agent for deactivation of the enzyme. The binding agent for deactivation of the enzyme may comprise any one or combination of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and any salt thereof, (hydroxyethyl)ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA) and any salt thereof, potassium tripolyphosphate (KTPP), a phosphonic acid and any salt thereof, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and any salt thereof, diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) and any salt thereof, glutamic acid diacetic acid (GLDA) and any salt thereof, methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and any salt thereof, iminodisuccinc acid (IDS) and any salt thereof, aminocarboxylic acids and any salt thereof, hydroxyethane diphosphonic acid (HEDP) and any salt thereof, amino tris (methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP) and any salt thereof, <NUM>-phosphonobutane-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC) and any salt thereof, ethylenediamine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) (EDTMP) and any salt thereof, diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) (DTPMP) and any salt thereof, a polyacrylate, an acrylic acid-maleic acid copolymer and any salt thereof, and any combination thereof. Further pursuant to this embodiment of the invention, a concentration of the binding agent for deactivation of the enzyme is from about <NUM> wt% to about <NUM> wt% based on the overall weight of the solution.

In certain embodiments of the inventions, a ratio by weight of the binding agent used for deactivation of the enzyme or the deactivation binding agent is at least about <NUM> binding agent to gram of enzyme, preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM> binding agent per gram of enzyme, or, more preferably, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> binding agent per gram of enzyme.

In some embodiments of the invention, the method of cleaning the membrane additionally comprises the step of adding a reducing agent for deactivation of the enzyme. Further pursuant to these embodiments, the reducing agent for deactivation of the enzyme comprises sodium dithionite. Further pursuant to this embodiment, wherein the sodium dithionite concentration is at least about <NUM> wt%, preferably, from about <NUM> wt% to about <NUM> wt%, or, more preferably, from about <NUM> wt% to about <NUM> wt%.

In certain embodiments of the invention, optionally, a pH of the solution is increased and/or a temperature of the solution is increased to reduce the activity of the enzyme. Further pursuant to this embodiment, the pH may be increased to from about <NUM> to about <NUM> depending on membrane tolerance. Still further pursuant to this embodiment, the temperature may be increased to from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Yet further pursuant to this embodiment, the pH may be increased to from about <NUM> to about <NUM> while the temperature may increased to from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Still yet further pursuant to this embodiment, the pH may be increased to from about <NUM> to about <NUM> while the temperature may be increased to from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the invention, the membrane has been used for the treatment of proteins. In particular, according to certain embodiments of the invention, the membrane has been used for the treatment of one of acid whey, sweet whey and skim milk.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of cleaning a membrane comprising pre-rinsing with a pre-rinse solution comprising water for a period of from about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes, cleaning the membrane using a solution comprising an enzyme and an agent having a pH compatible with the enzyme, the solution having a temperature compatible with the membrane, for a period of from about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes and preventing any divalent ions in the solution from precipitation, reducing an activity of the enzyme by adding a binding agent and optionally a reducing agent, optionally, reducing an activity of the enzyme comprises increasing at least one of a pH of the solution and a temperature of the solution, wherein the method is without rinsing the solution from the membrane from the time the solution is contacted with the membrane to the time used for reducing the activity of the enzyme, following the adding and optional increasing step continuing to wash the membrane on the order of up to about <NUM> minutes, and post-rinsing with a post-rinse solution comprising water for a period of from about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes.

Other aspects and embodiments will become apparent upon review of the following description. The invention, though, is pointed out with particularity by the included claims.

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter. Preferred embodiments of the invention may be described, but this invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The embodiments of the invention are not to be interpreted in any way as limiting the invention.

As used in the specification and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, reference to "an enzyme" includes a plurality of such enzymes.

Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. All terms, including technical and scientific terms, as used herein, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless a term has been otherwise defined. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning as commonly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure. Such commonly used terms will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless the disclosure herein expressly so defines otherwise.

As used herein, an "alkalinity agent" refers to a compound that increases the pH of solution.

As used herein, the term "buffer" means a compound that maintains the pH of the cleaning solution within a narrow range of limits. A buffer included in the cleaning solution of the invention maintains a pH in a desired range.

As used herein, a "binding agent" is a substance that binds with ions, preferably, bi-valent ions including, but not limited to, calcium and magnesium ions. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the binding agent comprises a bi-valent binding agent. A binding agent may include, but is not limited to, chelates and sequestrants. A binding agent includes a compound capable of isolating or inactivating a metal ion that may be present in the solution by developing a complex that prevents the metal ion from readily participating in or catalyzing chemical reactions. The terms "chelant", "chelating agent" or "sequestrant" may also be used interchangeably with the term "binding agent" in the disclosure provided herein. A binding agent, chelant, chelating agent or sequestrant complex may prevent certain metal ions from precipitating on the membrane surface and blocking the pores of the membrane. For example, water present in the equipment for cleaning purposes may include calcium cations (Ca<NUM>+) and magnesium cations (Mg<NUM>+) that determine the hardness of the water. A binding agent may be included that complex with Ca<NUM>+ and Mg<NUM>+ metal ions to prevent the precipitation of such compounds as phosphates, sulfates or carbonates. In addition to a binding agent providing improved control of water hardness, a binding agent may assist with the control of dissolved free fatty acids from saponified fats by preventing the build-up of Ca- or Mg-soaps. In a non-limiting example, sodium stearate is soluble in water that will cause the stearate to remain in the solution. However, upon saponification, calcium stearate may instead be formed, which is largely insoluble in water and cannot be rinsed from the solution causing. Thus a binding agent avoids such formation of calcium stearate.

As used herein, the term "enzyme" may catalyze the breakdown of proteinaceous materials and/or organic soil that have become deposited on the surface of equipment. It is not favored to use any such enzymes at higher temperatures-typically above <NUM>-since enzymes are susceptible to breakdown at these higher temperatures. It is more preferable to use enzymes for cleaning, even more preferably, in the range of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Proteases (break down protein), amylases (break down starch) and lipases (break down fats) are the most commonly used types of enzymes in cleaning systems.

A protease (also called a peptidase or proteinase) is any enzyme that performs proteolysis; protein catabolism by hydrolysis of peptide bonds. Proteases have evolved multiple times, and different classes of protease can perform the same reaction by completely different catalytic mechanisms. Proteases can be found in animalia, plantae, fungi, bacteria, archaea and viruses. Generally, proteases are classified in several broad groups by the catalytic types including, but not limited to, serine, cysteine, aspartic, and metallo proteases (zinc).

An up-to-date classification of protease evolutionary super families is found in the MEROPS database (see http://merops. In this database, proteases are classified firstly by 'clan' (superfamily) based on structure, mechanism and catalytic residue order. Currently more than <NUM> clans are known, each indicating an independent evolutionary origin of proteolysis.

The native 3D structure of enzymes is stabilized by various effects, e.g. by mono- and divalent ions, disulfide bonds, hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interaction. Depending on the specific 3D structure and stabilization, thereof, there are several inactivation steps applicable. Hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions can be influenced by an increase of pH and temperature for all proteases, but the acceptable band of pH and temperature can be limited by the equipment material in the membrane plant and therefore this method cannot always be used in membrane cleaning applications.

As used herein, the term "reducing agent" or "enzyme reducing agent" refers to a compound or mixture of compounds that are capable of reducing the activity of the enzyme. In a non-limiting example, an enzyme reducing agent is capable of unfolding the proteins by breaking down there structure. For example, an enzyme reducing agent may deactivate an enzyme by breaking down the disulfide bonds. Such agents include, but are not limited to, sodium sulfide, sodium borohydride, sodium dithionite, dithiothreitol, and glutathionine.

The application of reducing agents is limited to proteases stabilised by disulfid bonds. Many reducing agents are organosulfur compounds and even very small spillages can cause malodor, which tends not be desired in the processing of such enzymes.

A further differentiation can be done for the divalent ion stabilized proteases, which can be deactivated in most cases with the application of divalent ion binding agents (like chelating agents, chelates, sequestering agents, phosphonic acids and salts thereof, and polyacrylates). Commercial examples of this type of enzyme are SAVINASE® or ALCALASE® each available from Novozymes (headquartered in Bagsvaerd, Denmark). In the case that the protease is not sensitive to divalent binding agents, such as BLAZE® Pro <NUM> or ESPERASE®, because the divalent ion can be bound very strong to the enzyme, the enzyme has to be deactivated by one of the first two methods (inactivation by the exposure to reducing agents to reduce the disulfide bonds, application of extreme pH or an increase of temperature to disturb the hydrophobic interactions).

Calcium, in a non-limiting example, is essential for the stability of an enzyme. Some enzyme types have the Ca-ion very strongly bound in their structure, whereas other enzymes may more easily release the Ca-ion into the surrounded water. In case there is no water hardness present, there can be an equilibrium between the Ca-ion in the enzyme structure and its release to the water phase. The "free available" Ca-ion in the water phase can be bound to a binding agent, a chelate, phosphonate or any combination of these substances. The enzyme can be deactivated by releasing its Ca-ion in an environment where there is no Ca-ion present. The released Ca-ion is then bound stronger to for example a chelate. As a result there is no available free Ca-ion to stabilize the enzyme and the enzyme does not remain active. With the pH-stat method the enzyme activity can be indirectly measured. This method has been used to measure enzyme activity in the presence of a binding agent that includes, in non-limiting examples, chelates and phosphonates.

As used herein, the term "surfactant" means an active cleaning agent of a cleaning solution that may perform any combination of wetting and even penetrating the soil in the equipment to be cleaned, loosening deposited soils at the surface of the equipment, and emulsifying the soils to keep them suspended in solution for removal from the equipment. Surfactants tend to also reduce the surface tension in the cleaning solution. Surfactants may be selected that are polar or hydrophilic in nature, such as negatively charged or anionic surfactant. Surfactants may be selected that are non-polar or hydrophobic in nature, such as nonionic surfactants having no charge. Amphoteric surfactants that behaviors like anionic, cationic and nonionic surfactants, depending on pH, can also be used, although the use of cationic surfactants are less preferred according to certain embodiments of the invention. Conventionally, surfactants have been chosen in cleaning solutions for a particular temperature of use.

As used herein, "vol%" refers to the percentage of a named compound based upon the volume of the compound relative to total volume of the solution the compound is embodied within unless expressly provided otherwise.

As used herein, "wt%" refers to the percentage of a named compound based upon the weight of the compound relative to total weight of the solution the compound is embodied within unless expressly provided otherwise.

An aspect of the invention described herein relates to a cleaning solution for use in cleaning of membranes that has an enzyme and an agent, the agent providing proper pH control of the cleaning. The cleaning solution may additionally comprise a binding agent and optionally a surfactant. In particular, the cleaning solutions of the invention are particularly useful in cleaning membranes when an elevated temperature and/or a higher pH is otherwise needed, in particular to eventually deactivate the enzyme. In an embodiment of the invention, the cleaning solution generally comprises an enzyme and an alkalinity agent.

In cleaning certain membranes, rigid limits exist on both the types of compounds that may be included in the cleaning solution as well as upper limits on temperature and/or pH. The cleaning solutions of the invention allows for these limitations to be met.

The control of ions subject to precipitation is also needed. In particular, such ions include calcium. In an embodiment of the invention, the cleaning solution comprises a binding agent that may include a chelating agent to prevent any divalent ions present in the solution from precipitation.

In an embodiment of the invention, the surfactant may be used as a booster or as part of an alkaline or acid cleaning composition. In certain embodiments of the invention, the surfactant can be used as a membrane cleaning adjuvant for improved removal of proteins, fat, and other soils from membranes. In certain other embodiments of the invention, the surfactant may be selected to improve the hydrophilicity properties of the membrane and improve processing permeation properties. In certain embodiments of the invention, the surfactant is chosen to provide good rinsing characteristics, low foaming, good soil removal or cleaning properties, biodegradability, and/or relatively low cost. Uses surfactants that cause membrane fouling as well as other issues with respect to membrane surfaces are not preferred. For example, certain cationic surfactants may often be associated with irreversible fouling of the membrane due to the inability to rinse or wash the surfactant from the surface. It is understood that the membrane has a negative surface charge and therefore a cationic surfactant becomes strongly attracted to the surface of the membrane and cannot be easily removed. Any residual surfactant on the surface acts as a foulant causing low production and water flux rates resulting in poor production performance.

In certain embodiments, surfactants are chosen that do not negatively impact the membrane surface such as, without intending to be limiting, an anionic surfactant that is not readily attracted to the surface of the membrane due to both the membrane and surfactant tending to be negatively charged. In certain embodiments of the invention, an anionic surfactant is chosen to improve the rinseability of the surfactant while allowing the surfactant to assist with cleaning fats and proteins due to its reduced surface tension.

Nonionic surfactants may be included in the cleaning solution, according to certain embodiments of the invention. A nonionic surfactant may be characterized as having positive properties such as degreasing, low foaming, wetting, and reducing surface tension. However, nonionic surfactants that may cause fouling problems to the membrane due to their general poor rinseability characteristics are not preferred. Nonionic surfactants are technically neutral molecules, but the predictability of whether or not they will perform well as a surfactant booster on a particular membrane type is less certain. Molecular weight, hydrophilic-lipophilic-balance branching, linearity, alcohol chain length, Draves wetting, and degree of ethoxylation alone do not adequately predict whether or not a nonionic surfactant will function well on a membrane. In addition, the membrane surface type such as polyethersulfone (PES), polyvinyldenedifluoride (PVDF) have different surface energies that also affect how a surfactant functions on the surface and how the foulant functions on the surface. The molecular weight cut-off or pore size of a particular membrane will also likely affect the functionality of a surfactant due to pore fouling, pore penetration for cleaning pores, membrane permeation exclusion due to branching and molecular weight, and ease of permeation due to linearity.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the surfactant comprises one or more anionic surfactants including any one or combination of alkyl (C12) benzene sulfonic acid Na-salt; alkyl (C12) benzene sulfonic acid, dodecylbenzensulfonic acid; alkane (C13-<NUM>) sulfonic acid Na-salt, secondary alkane sulfonate; <NUM>-ethylhexylsulphate; cumene sulfonate; xylene sulfonate; alkylaryl alkoxy phosphate ester K-salt; alpha-olefin sulfonic acid Na-salt; and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid including, in non-limiting examples, an alkyl (C4-<NUM>) ether (5EO) carboxylic acid, an alkyl (C8) ether (5EO) carboxylic acid, an alkyl (C4) ether (6EO) carboxylic acid, and an alkyl (C8) ether (8EO) carboxylic acid. The anionic surfactants disclosed herein may be used in combination with any of the other surfactants disclosed herein, according to certain embodiments of the invention.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the surfactant comprises one or more nonionic surfactants including any one or combination of an amine oxides, such as, for example without intending to be limiting, an alkyl dimethyl amine oxide such as, in a nonlimiting example, an alkyl (C12-<NUM>) dimethyl amine oxide; a polyglucoside such as, in a non-limiting example, C10 polyglucoside; an alkylglucoside such as, in non-limiting examples, a C8 alkylglucoside; a tridecyl alcohol ethoxylate; a hexan-<NUM>-ol ethoxylate; a sophorolipid, which is a surface active glycolipid compound that may be synthesized from a non-pathogenic yeast species; a glycerophospholipid, which is a lecithin fat that can be found in many foods; and polyethylene glycol. Any of the nonionic surfactants disclosed herein may be used in combination with any of the other surfactants disclosed herein, according to certain embodiments of the invention.

In certain other embodiments of the invention, the nonionic surfactant may be generally characterized by the presence of an organic hydrophobic group and an organic hydrophilic group and may be produced by the condensation of an organic aliphatic, alkyl aromatic or polyoxyalkylene hydrophobic compound with a hydrophilic alkaline oxide moiety which in common practice is ethylene oxide or a polyhydration product thereof, polyethylene glycol. In certain embodiments of the invention, propylene glycol may be included in the cleaning solution. The cleaning solution may comprise a hydrophobic compound having a hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, or amido group with a reactive hydrogen atom can be condensed with ethylene oxide, or its polyhydration adducts, or its mixtures with alkoxylenes such as propylene oxide to form a nonionic surface-active agent. The length of the hydrophilic polyoxyalkylene moiety which is condensed with any particular hydrophobic compound can be readily adjusted to yield a water dispersible or water soluble compound having the desired degree of balance between hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties.

Useful nonionic Surfactants in the present invention may include condensation products of one mole of a saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain alcohol having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms with from <NUM> to <NUM> moles of ethylene oxide; polyethylene glycol esters, other alkanoic acid esters formed by reaction with glycerides, glycerin, and polyhydric (saccharide or sorbitan/sorbitol) alcohols; ethoxylated C<NUM>-C<NUM> fatty alcohols and C<NUM>-C<NUM> mixed ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohol in particular those that are water soluble; C<NUM>-C<NUM> ethoxylated fatty alcohols having a degree of ethoxylation of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, on average; nonionic alkylpolysaccharides that include a hydrophobic group containing from about <NUM> to about <NUM> carbon atoms and a polysaccharide, e.g., a polyglycoside, hydrophilic group containing from about <NUM> to <NUM> saccharide units, on average; a Guerbet alcohol ethoxylate of the formula R<NUM>-(OC<NUM>H<NUM>)n-(OH), wherein R<NUM> is a branched C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group and n is from about <NUM> to about <NUM>; a Guerbet alcohol ethoxlyate of the formula R<NUM>-(OC<NUM>H<NUM>)n—(OH) where R<NUM> is a branched C<NUM> to C<NUM> alkyl group and n is from <NUM> to <NUM> or from <NUM> to <NUM>. In certain embodiments of the invention, R<NUM> may be a C<NUM> to C<NUM> branched alkyl group and n is <NUM> to <NUM>.

The surfactants of the cleaning solution may include alkane sulfonates having an alkane group with from about <NUM> to about <NUM> carbon atoms. In certain non-limiting examples, the alkane sulfonates that can include secondary alkane sulfonates such as sodium C<NUM>-C<NUM> secondary alkyl sulfonate.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the surfactant comprises one or more amphoteric surfactants including any one or combination of alkyl (C12-<NUM>) dimethyl betaine; alkyl (C12-<NUM>) amino dipropionate mono Na-salt; alkyl (C8) amino dipropionate mono Na-salt; and cocoampho dipropionate Na-salt. The amphoteric surfactants disclosed herein may be used in combination with any of the other surfactants disclosed herein, according to certain embodiments of the invention.

While other functional compounds may be included in the cleaning solution, the cleaning solution will at least comprise an enzyme and an agent having a pH compatible with the enzyme. In an embodiment of the invention, the cleaning solution may comprise from about <NUM> to about <NUM> ppm, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> ppm, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> ppm or from about <NUM> to about <NUM> ppm of the enzyme. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning solutions comprises a serine protease enzyme.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the cleaning solution includes an enzyme stabilization agent for stabilizing the enzymes in the solution. For example the stabilization agent may be a water-soluble agent that generates calcium and/or magnesium ions. Variation in the concentrations of such ions is possible depending on a multiple number of factors including the multiplicity, types and concentration of enzymes incorporated. In certain non-limiting examples, the enzyme stabilization agent may comprise calcium chloride dihydrate and/or sodium formate. Non-limiting examples of water-soluble calcium or magnesium salts that can be employed include calcium chloride, calcium hydroxide, calcium formate, calcium malate, calcium maleate, calcium hydroxide and calcium acetate. Calcium or magnesium salts corresponding to the salts identified may be useful as well. Without intending to be limiting, under certain circumstances increased levels of calcium and/or magnesium may be useful.

Under certain conditions, without intending to be limiting, calcium is essential for the stability of an enzyme. Some enzyme types allow the calcium ion to become very strongly bound to their structure. Other enzymes may more easily release the calcium ion into the surrounding water. Certainly, the multiplicity, concentration of enzymes, and other cleaning solution conditions may also impact the degree in which the calcium ions remain bound to the enzyme(s). In particular, when there is substantially a lack of water hardness present, there can be an equilibrium established between the calcium ions in the enzyme structure and the release of calcium ions to the water phase. The "freely available" calcium ions in the water phase can be bound to a binding agent that includes, in non-limiting examples, a chelate, phosphonate, gluconate or any combination of these substances or any substance that acts as a binding agent. In an embodiment of the invention, the enzyme can be deactivated by releasing the calcium ions bound to it in an environment where there are no calcium ions present. The release of calcium ions under this circumstance is when calcium ions become more strongly bound to a binding agent present in the cleaning solution. As a result there will not be any available free calcium ions to stabilize the enzyme and the enzyme will no longer be active.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the cleaning solution may comprise an alkalinity agent. In an embodiment of the invention, the cleaning solution may comprise from about <NUM> to about <NUM> wt%, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> wt%, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM> wt% or from about <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of the alkalinity agent. In certain embodiments of the invention, a sufficient amount of alkalinity agent is included to provide a pH of the cleaning solution in a range of from about <NUM> to about <NUM> or, preferably, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In other embodiments of the invention, the cleaning solution may comprise a buffer. In an embodiment of the invention, the cleaning solution may comprise from about <NUM> to about <NUM> wt%, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> wt%, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> wt% of the buffer. pH regulators that may be included in the cleaning solution include any one or more of potassium hydroxide (e.g., in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> wt%), sodium bicarbonate (e.g.. in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> wt%) and sodium carbonate (e.g., in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> wt%).

In certain embodiments of the invention, the cleaning solution additionally comprises a binding agent. The cleaning solution may comprise from about <NUM> to about <NUM> ppm, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> ppm, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> ppm, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM> ppm of the binding agent, according to certain embodiments of the invention.

Non-limiting examples of binding agents that may be included in the cleaning solution of the invention are ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and any salt thereof, (hydroxyethyl)ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA) and any salt thereof, potassium tripolyphosphate (KTPP), a phosphonic acid and any salt thereof, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and any salt thereof, diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) and any salt thereof, gluconic acid (GA) and any salt thereof, glutamic acid diacetic acid (GLDA) and any salt thereof, methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and any salt thereof, iminodisuccinc acid (IDS) and any salt thereof, aminocarboxylic acids and any salt thereof, hydroxyethane diphosphonic acid (HEDP) and any salt thereof, aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP) and any salt thereof, <NUM>-phosphonobutane-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC) and any salt thereof, ethylenediamine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) (EDTMP) and any salt thereof, diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) (DTPMP) and any salt thereof, a polyacrylate, sodium gluconate (Na-gluconate) and any combinations thereof. A partially neutralized polyacrylic acid (having an M in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>) may be included in the cleaning solution, according to an embodiment of the invention.

In certain other embodiments of the invention, the cleaning solution may comprise an alkyl polyglucoside, the alkyl group being from about C<NUM> to about C<NUM>, from about C<NUM> to about C<NUM>, or form about C<NUM> to about C<NUM>. An alkyl sulfuric acid or any salt thereof may be included in the cleaning solution, according to certain embodiments of the invention. In certain embodiments of the invention, the surfactant may include <NUM>-ethylhexyl sulphate, alkyl (C <NUM>) amino dipropionate mono Na-salt, C10 polyglucoside, alkyl (C12) benzene sulphonic acid Na-salt, and any combination thereof and in any combination with the other surfacants that are disclosed herein.

In other embodiments of the invention, the cleaning solution additionally comprises a surfactant. In an embodiment of the invention, the cleaning solution may comprise from about <NUM> to about <NUM> ppm, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> ppm, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> ppm, or, preferably, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> ppm of the surfactant.

An aspect of the invention provides the use of the cleaning solution of the invention in cleaning a membrane. <FIG> is a flowchart showing the steps in a method of cleaning a membrane according to an embodiment of the invention. The method of cleaning a membrane <NUM> includes the steps of pre-rinsing the membrane <NUM>. The pre-rinse time may endure between about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

Another step in cleaning the membrane <NUM> includes cleaning the membrane using a solution comprising an enzyme and an agent having a pH compatible with the enzyme and preventing any divalent ions in the solution from precipitation <NUM>. A cleaning solution, containing an enzyme and an agent having a pH compatible with the membrane and a temperature compatible with the membrane is configured. This cleaning step may endure between about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

Another step in cleaning the membrane <NUM> includes reducing an activity of the enzyme <NUM>. As further described herein, reducing the activity of the enzyme <NUM> includes adding a binding agent, and optionally one or more of adding a reducing agent, increasing the pH and increasing the temperature. Without intending to be bound by theory, any pH and temperature increases for reducing the activity of the enzyme <NUM> are limited by what the membrane is capable of enduring. Additionally, the membrane must be compatible with any binding agent and/or reducing agent used. The reducing the activity of the enzyme <NUM> may endure up to about <NUM>.

Another step in cleaning the membrane <NUM> includes post-rinsing the membrane for removal of the solution <NUM>. The post-rinse time may endure between about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the invention, a method of cleaning a membrane includes the steps of pre-rinsing the membrane; cleaning the membrane using a solution comprising an enzyme and an agent having a pH compatible with the enzyme, the composition having a temperature compatible with the membrane; preventing any divalent ions in the solution from precipitation; reducing the enzyme activity by adding a binding agent capable of deactivating the enzyme to the solution, wherein the method is without rinsing the solution from the membrane from the time the solution is contacted with the membrane to the time used for reducing the activity of the enzyme; and post-rinsing the membrane for removal of the solution. In certain embodiments of the invention, the solution may additionally comprise a surfactant.

The method of cleaning the membrane includes the step of adding a binding agent for deactivation of the enzyme. In certain embodiments of the invention, the step for reducing the enzyme activity includes adding a reducing agent. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the step for reducing the enzyme may include one or both of increasing a pH and increasing a temperature of the solution.

Preferably, enough binding agent will be used to deactivate the enzyme after it performs its desired function in the cleaning operation. In an embodiment of the invention, the binding agent that is added to the cleaning solution may comprise from about <NUM> to about <NUM> ppm, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> ppm, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM> ppm of the solution. For calcium salts removal, the cleaning solution may comprise from about <NUM> to about <NUM> ppm of additional binding agent. Non-limiting examples of the binding agent that may be added include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and any salt thereof, (hydroxyethyl)ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA) and any salt thereof, potassium-tripolyphosphate (KTPP), a phosphonic acid and any salt thereof, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and any salt thereof, diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) and any salt thereof, glutamic acid diacetic acid (GLDA) and any salt thereof, methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and any salt thereof, iminodisuccinc acid (IDS) and any salt thereof, aminocarboxylic acids and any salt thereof, hydroxyethane diphosphonic acid (HEDP) and any salt thereof, aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP) and any salt thereof, <NUM>-phosphonobutane-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC) and any salt thereof, ethylenediamine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) (EDTMP) and any salt thereof, diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) (DTPMP) and any salt thereof, a polyacrylate, an acrylic acid-maleic acid copolymer and any salt thereof, and any combinations thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the total amount of binding agent relative to the enzyme content is at least about <NUM> binding agent/g enzyme present in solution, from about <NUM> binding agent/g enzyme present in solution to about <NUM> binding agent/g enzyme present in solution, or from about <NUM> binding agent/g enzyme present in solution to about <NUM> binding agent/ g enzyme present in solution. In certain embodiments of the invention, the binding agent comprises EDTA and the cleaning solution comprises from about <NUM> EDTA/g enzyme present in solution to about <NUM> EDTA/g enzyme present in solution, from about <NUM> EDTA/g enzyme present in solution to about <NUM> EDTA/g enzyme present in solution, or from about <NUM> EDTA/g enzyme present in solution to about <NUM> EDTA/g enzyme present in solution.

In certain other embodiments of the invention, the binding agent comprises MGDA and the cleaning solution comprises from about <NUM> MGDA/g enzyme present in solution to about <NUM> MGDA/g enzyme present in solution, from about <NUM> MGDA/g enzyme present in solution to about <NUM> MGDA/g enzyme present in solution, or from about <NUM> MGDA/g enzyme present in solution to about <NUM> MGDA/g enzyme present in solution.

In an embodiment of the invention, the pH of the solution at the cleaning step may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In certain embodiments of the invention, the temperature of the solution at the cleaning step may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, or less than about <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the invention, the solution contacts the membrane for about <NUM> to about <NUM> minutes, from about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes, or from about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes. In an embodiment of the invention the reduction in enzyme activity may be due, at least in part, to the addition of at least one of the binding agent and the reducing agent.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the pH may be increased to from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In other embodiments of the invention, the temperature may be increased to less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM> or less than about <NUM>. In certain embodiments of the invention the temperature is increased to from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the pH is increased to from about <NUM> to about <NUM> and the temperature is increased to from about <NUM> to about <NUM> or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In certain other embodiments of the invention, the pH is increased to from about <NUM> to about <NUM> and the temperature is increased to from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In yet other embodiments of the invention, the pH is increased to from about <NUM> to about <NUM> and the temperature is increased to from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In still yet other embodiments of the invention, the pH is increased to from about <NUM> to about <NUM> and the temperature is increased to from about <NUM> to about <NUM> or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In yet other embodiments of the invention, the pH is increased to about <NUM> to about <NUM> and the temperature is increased to about <NUM> following which a reducing agent is then added to reduce the enzyme activity.

In an embodiment of the invention, an activity of the enzyme is attenuated by at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, or at least about <NUM>%. In certain embodiments of the invention, the activity of the enzyme may be reduced by increasing at least one of the pH or the temperature of the solution from about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes, from about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes, or from about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes. In certain embodiments of the invention, the activity of the enzyme is reduced by increasing at least one of the pH or the temperature of the solution for about <NUM> minutes.

The method of cleaning the membrane may comprise adding an alkalinity agent to the solution that contacts the membrane prior to adding the binding agent to reduce the activity of the enzyme.

The method of cleaning the membrane is performed without rinsing the solution from the membrane between the time the cleaning solution is contacted with the membrane to the time used for reducing the activity of the enzyme.

In an embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for cleaning a membrane used for the treatment of any soluble proteinaceous soil that includes the following steps: pre-rinsing with a pre-rinse solution comprising water for a period of from about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; cleaning the membrane using a solution comprising an enzyme and an agent having a pH compatible with the enzyme according to the definition of solution and cleaning step as further defined herein for a period of from about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes, wherein any divalent ions in the solution are prevented from precipitation; adding a binding agent and optionally a reducing agent, optionally including increasing at least one of a pH and a temperature of the solution wherein the method is without rinsing the solution from the membrane from the time the solution is contacted with the membrane to the time used for reducing the activity of the enzyme; following the adding and optional increasing step continuing to wash the membrane on the order of up to about <NUM> minutes; and post-rinsing with a post-rinse solution comprising water for a period of from about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes.

Enzyme activity in a solution can be indirectly measured using a pH-stat method. The pH-stat method may be used to measure enzyme activity in the presence of a binding agent that includes, in non-limiting examples, chelates, phosphonate and gluconate. The action of protease on proteins creates acid functional groups. Therefore, the hydrolysis of proteins reduces the pH of the solution over time. The extent of release of amino acids during the enzymatic breakdown may be measured by the amount of caustic needed to keep the pH of the solution constant. Furthermore, without intending to be bound by theory, it is preferred to maintain the pH at a value where the enzyme activity is at its maximum. Additionally, temperature in combination with the pH needs to be maintained at a preferred value to maximize the activity of the enzyme.

The degree of hydrolysis is identified by the following equation: <MAT> Where:.

The invention is further defined by reference to the following examples, which describe cleaning solutions and methods for performing an accelerated cleaning of a dairy-based membrane operation according to the invention and the performance of such in a membrane cleaning operation.

Inactivation tests for different enzymes were performed using colorimetric analysis to determine enzyme activity. A standard solution of <NUM> wt% buffer having a pH of <NUM> was initially formulated. Separate enzyme solutions were formed using this standard solution. Varying concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were added to adjust to pH of the solution to the desired level. Table <NUM> identifies the enzyme solutions that were formulated using the protease enzymes ALCALASE® <NUM>, ESPERASE® <NUM>, SAVINASE® Ultra <NUM> XL and BLAZE® Pro <NUM>, all suitable for the hydrolysis of proteins each available from Novozymes (headquartered in Bagsvaerd, Denmark).

Table <NUM> shows the enzyme activities of the solutions identified in Table <NUM> at varying temperatures. Those solutions marked with <NUM>% indicate an enzyme activity that is greater than an upper detection limit of the measurement method, while those marked with u. identifies an enzyme activity that is less than the detection limit of the measurement method.

Table 3A identifies a series of cleaning solutions having <NUM> wt% of a buffer and <NUM> wt% ESPERASE <NUM>. The enzyme activity of the cleaning solution at varying concentrations of the enzyme reducing agent sodium dithionite (Na<NUM>S<NUM>O<NUM>) at various dilution levels were measured with these results shown in Table 3A as well. Those solutions marked with o. indicate an enzyme activity that is over a detection limit of the measurement method, while those marked with u. identifies an enzyme activity that is under the detection limit of the measurement method.

Similar tests were conducted for a series of cleaning solutions having <NUM> wt% of a buffer and <NUM> wt% BLAZE Pro <NUM> whose results are included in Table 3B.

The tests in Tables 3A and 3B show that a sodium dithionite concentration of <NUM> wt% deactivates ESPERASE <NUM>, but not BLAZE Pro <NUM> with a contact time of five minutes at <NUM>.

Investigations concerning which binding agent-e.g., EDTA, KTPP, IDS, PBTC or ATMP and eventually the sodium carbonate buffer system itself, as non-limiting exemplary binding agents-has the highest impact on decreasing enzyme activity in the use solution, tests were conducted by mixing different binding agents together with the enzyme ESPERASE <NUM> or ALCALASE <NUM> type DX belonging to the class of serine proteases or, to be more precise, to the class of the subtilases.

Cleaning solutions were prepared in reverse osmosis (RO) water without the enzyme and heated to <NUM>. The pH of the cleaning solution was adjusted to <NUM> and the enzyme addition followed. The temperature of the cleaning solution was maintained at <NUM> for <NUM> minutes. Two samples of the cleaning solution were taken when the enzyme was added and at the following intervals after the enzyme was added: <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes and <NUM> minutes. Upon being taken, the samples were immediately placed in an ice bath to quench further reaction and the enzyme activity of the samples were measured. Table <NUM> identifies the cleaning solutions that were tested that included caustic, a surfactant, a buffer and the protease enzyme ESPERASE <NUM>.

Table <NUM> shows the relative activity of the ESPERASE <NUM> after just being added to the cleaning solution, <NUM> minutes after addition and <NUM> minutes after addition. Note that * means without buffer.

As shown in Table <NUM>, the greatest reduction in activity of ESPERASE <NUM> after <NUM> minutes was achieved with cleaning solution <NUM> (<NUM>% relative activity after <NUM> minutes and <NUM>% relative activity after <NUM> minutes), which used a binding agent combination of <NUM> wt% EDTA + <NUM> wt% ATMP, followed by cleaning solution <NUM> (<NUM>% relative activity after <NUM> minutes and <NUM>% relative activity after <NUM> minutes), which used a binding agent combination of <NUM> wt% EDTA + <NUM> wt% KTPP + <NUM> wt% ATMP.

Table <NUM> identifies the cleaning solutions that were tested that included caustic, a buffer and the protease enzyme ALCALASE <NUM>.

Table <NUM> shows the relative activity of the ALCALASE <NUM> after just being added to the cleaning solution, <NUM> minutes after addition and <NUM> minutes after addition. Note that * means without buffer.

As shown in Table <NUM>, the greatest reduction in activity of ALCALASE <NUM> after <NUM> minutes was achieved with cleaning solution <NUM> (<NUM>% relative activity after <NUM> minutes and <NUM>% relative activity after <NUM> minutes), which used a complexing combination of <NUM> wt% EDTA + <NUM> wt% KTPP + <NUM> wt% ATMP, followed by cleaning solution <NUM> (<NUM>% relative activity after <NUM> minutes and <NUM>% relative activity after <NUM> minutes), which used a binding agent combination of <NUM> wt% EDTA + <NUM> wt% KTPP + <NUM> wt% ATMP.

A series of tests on multiple different types of enzymes using an assortment of binding agents were performed. The protease enzymes used in these tests were ALCALASE® <NUM>, ESPERASE® <NUM>, SAVINASE® Ultra <NUM> XL, SAVINASE® Evity <NUM> XL, and BLAZE® Pro <NUM> each available from Novozymes (headquartered in Bagsvaerd, Denmark). The binding agents tested were salts of EDTA, MGDA NTA, GLDA, HEDTA, DTPA, gluconate, KTPP, ATMP, PBTC, HEDP, EDTMP, DTPMP and polyacrylate.

<NUM> substrate solutions were prepared having a sweet whey concentration of <NUM> vol% in soft water based on the overall volume of the solution. This was achieved by adding about <NUM> of an <NUM>% sweet whey powder solution having a density of <NUM>/ml to <NUM> of soft water. The solution was heated to <NUM> and the pH of the solution was adjusted to <NUM>. <NUM> of enzyme solution having an enzyme concentration of <NUM> vol% was added to the heated/pH adjusted substrate solution. This combined solution was then titrated with <NUM> NaOH to maintain the pH at <NUM> over the course of <NUM> minutes. The binding agent was then added and mixed with the solution over the course of <NUM> minutes while still maintaining the pH at <NUM>. About <NUM> of fresh whey powder solution was then added to <NUM> of the solution, and the solution was titrated with <NUM> NaOH to maintain the pH at <NUM> over the course of <NUM> minutes.

The htot value for whey protein concentrate is <NUM> and the <NUM>/α value at <NUM> and a pH of <NUM> is <NUM>. The degree of hydrolysis, DH%, was calculated over the course of the enzyme addition, binding agent addition, and the fresh enzyme addition. As the data shows, the DH% first rapidly increases followed by a slower increase over time. Simultaneously, the caustic also reacts with the substrate. The effect of this degree of reaction is measured using a "blank" solution, which is free of any enzyme.

After addition of the binding agents, depending upon the substance, either attenuates or terminates any change in DH%. After fresh substrate is added, either the enzyme continues to work and follows a similar reaction rate as experienced in the start of the experiment or is deactivated whereby any change in hydrolysis is primarily the result of only the caustic reacting with the substrate.

Tables 8A, 8B and 8C provide the variation in the DH% for sweet whey powder for varying concentrations of EDTA-Na salt as the binding agent dosed to the corresponding named enzyme substrate solutions at a pH of <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> provides a graphical representation of the variation in the DH% of sweet whey powder for enzyme substrate solutions dosed with <NUM> wt% EDTA as the binding agent. The results show that the enzyme BLAZE Pro <NUM> is still active after the addition of fresh substrate <NUM> minutes after being dosed with <NUM> wt% EDTA since the degree of hydrolysis follows a similar reaction rate found at the beginning of the experiment. However, the tested SAVINASE Ultra <NUM> XL and the SAVINASE Evity <NUM> XL enzymes are deactivated by <NUM> wt% EDTA since, after the addition of fresh substrate, the degree of hydrolysis follows the reaction rate as found for the blank solution.

<FIG> provides a graphical representation of the variation in the DH% of sweet whey powder for enzyme substrate solutions dosed with <NUM> wt% EDTA as the binding agent, while <FIG> provides a graphical representation of the variation in the DH% of sweet whey powder for enzyme substrate solutions dosed with <NUM> wt% EDTA as the binding agent. With the decreased amount of EDTA, the tested enzymes SAVINASE Ultra <NUM> XL and ALCALASE <NUM> are deactivated since, after the addition of fresh substrate, the degree of hydrolysis follows the reaction rate as found for the blank solution. However, the tested ESPERASE <NUM> remains active after addition of EDTA and fresh substrate as shown in <FIG>. With the increased amount of EDTA, both the tested enzymes ESPERASE <NUM> and BLAZE Pro <NUM> are still active <NUM> minutes following the addition of fresh substrate after being dosed with <NUM> wt% EDTA since the degree of hydrolysis follows a similar reaction rate as found in the beginning of the experiment, see <FIG>.

As the data shown in Table 8A demonstrates and graphically illustrated in <FIG>, even when the SAVINASE Ultra <NUM> XL enzyme-based substrate solution is dosed with <NUM> wt% EDTA, this binding agent still is effective at deactivating this enzyme at this concentration since, after the addition of fresh substrate, the degree of hydrolysis follows the reaction rate as found for the blank solution. However, dosing with a concentration as low as <NUM> wt% EDTA or even at <NUM> wt% EDTA is not effective at deactivating the SAVINASE Ultra <NUM> XL enzyme since, after the addition of fresh substrate, the degree of hydrolysis does not continue to follow the reaction rate for the blank solution at this reduced concentration of EDTA.

Tables 9A and 9B provide the variation in the DH% for sweet whey powder for <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt% and <NUM> wt% MGDA-Na salt as the binding agent dosed to the corresponding named enzyme substrate solutions at a pH of <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> provides a graphical representation of the variation in the DH% of sweet whey powder for enzyme substrate solutions dosed with <NUM> wt% MGDA as the binding agent, while <FIG> provides a graphical representation of the variation in the DH% of sweet whey powder for an enzyme substrate solution dosed with <NUM> wt% MGDA as the binding agent. As shown in <FIG>, the enzyme BLAZE Pro <NUM> is still active <NUM> minutes following the addition of <NUM> wt% MGDA with the addition of fresh substrate since the degree of hydrolysis follows reaction rate that is similar to that found at the beginning of the experiment. However, the tested SAVINASE Ultra <NUM> XL and SAVINASE Evity <NUM> XL enzymes are deactivated by the <NUM> % MGDA and at least the SAVINASE Ultra <NUM> XL enzyme is deactivated by the <NUM> wt% MGDA (see <FIG>) since, after the addition of fresh substrate, the degree of hydrolysis follows the reaction rate as found for the blank solution.

Table <NUM> provides the variation in the DH% for sweet whey powder for <NUM> wt% HEDP-Na salt as the binding agent dosed to the corresponding named enzyme substrate solutions at a pH of <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> provides a graphical representation of the variation in the DH% of sweet whey powder for enzyme substrate solutions dosed with <NUM> wt% HEDP as the binding agent. As shown in this figure, <NUM> minutes following the addition of <NUM> wt% HEDP and the addition of the fresh substrate, the degree of hydrolysis for the tested ESPERASE <NUM> and BLAZE Pro <NUM> follows a reaction rate that is similar to that found at the beginning of the experiment, which indicates these enzymes are still active. In contrast, the tested SAVINASE and ALCALASE <NUM> are deactivated with the addition of <NUM> wt% HEDP since, after addition of fresh substrate, the degree of hydrolysis follows a reaction rate that is similar to that of the blank solution.

Table <NUM> provides the variation in the DH% for sweet whey powder for Na salts of <NUM> wt% polyacrylate, <NUM> wt% ATMP and <NUM> wt% EDTMP as the various binding agents dosed to the SAVINASE ULTRA <NUM> XL enzyme substrate solutions at a pH of <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> provides a graphical representation of the variation in the DH% of sweet whey powder for enzyme substrate solutions dosed with <NUM> wt% Polyacrylate as the binding agent. This test reveals that when <NUM> wt% Polyacrylate is used to deactivate SAVINASE Ultra <NUM> XL, the degree of hydrolysis after addition of extra substrate (after <NUM> since the beginning of the test) follows a significant decreased rate in comparison to the beginning of the experiment. However, the reaction rate is increased in comparison to that of the blank solution, which indicates that Savinase Ultra 16XL is not completely deactivated.

Table <NUM> provides the variation in the DH% for sweet whey powder for <NUM> wt% KTPP as the binding agent dosed to the corresponding named enzyme substrate solutions at a pH of <NUM> and <NUM>.

Table <NUM> provides the variation in the DH% for sweet whey powder for <NUM> wt% and <NUM> wt% Na-gluconate as the binding agent dosed to the SAVINASE Ultra <NUM> XL enzyme substrate solutions at a pH of <NUM> and <NUM>.

Table <NUM> provides the variation in the DH% for sweet whey powder for <NUM> wt% HEDTA-Na salt as the binding agents dosed to the corresponding named enzyme substrate solutions at a pH of <NUM> and <NUM>.

Table <NUM> provides the variation in the DH% for sweet whey powder Na-salts for <NUM> wt% DTPA, <NUM> wt% NTA and <NUM> wt% GLDA as the various binding agents dosed to the SAVINASE Ultra <NUM> XL enzyme substrate solutions at a pH of <NUM> and <NUM>.

Table <NUM> provides the variation in the DH% for sweet whey powder Na-salts for <NUM> wt% PBTC and <NUM> wt% DTPMP as the various binding agents dosed to the SAVINASE Ultra <NUM> XL enzyme substrate solutions at a pH of <NUM> and <NUM>.

Table <NUM> provides an overview of the test results with each of the salts of the binding agents dosed to the enzyme substrate solution at a pH of <NUM> and <NUM>. A "D" represents the enzyme was deactivated, while an "A" represents that the enzyme was active after the second substrate addition. A "-" represents not tested. As this table shows, most all of the tested binding agents show a deactivation of SAVINASE Ultra <NUM> XL, under cleaning conditions having a pH of <NUM> and <NUM>. The tested binding agents at certain concentrations are effective at deactivating SAVINASE Evity <NUM> XL. The tested binding agents were ineffective at deactivating BLAZE Pro <NUM> and ESPERASE <NUM>. <NUM> wt% EDTA and <NUM> wt% HEDP were able to deactivate ALCALASE <NUM>.

Table <NUM> shows the results of the salts of the binding agent tests using SAVINASE Ultra <NUM> XL.

The enzymatic cleaning with SAVINASE Ultra <NUM> XL can be deactivated by the addition of the binding agents at the identified concentrations, except with the use of gluconate and PBTC in Table <NUM>, in this cleaning solution without intermediate rinse and without an extra deactivation step using, for example, an acid reducing the pH. This reduces the total cleaning time significantly and thus accelerates the membrane cleaning.

Table <NUM> shows the results of the salts of the binding agent tests that effectively deactivated the SAVINASE Evity <NUM> XL enzyme.

The results in Table <NUM> show that SAVINASE Evity 16XL may also be deactivated using a binding agent in a similar way and may also be used in an accelerated membrane cleaning procedure.

Table <NUM> shows the results of the salts of the binding agent tests on the BLAZE Pro <NUM> enzyme.

Table <NUM> shows the results of the salts of the binding agent tests on the ESPERASE <NUM> enzyme.

Table <NUM> shows the results of the salts of the binding agent tests on the ALCALASE <NUM> enzyme.

The results in Table <NUM> show that ALCALASE <NUM> may also be deactivated using a binding agent in a similar way and may also be used in an accelerated membrane cleaning procedure.

In summary, without intending to be bound by the theory, these tests demonstrate that enzymes structured to have strong calcium bonding such as BLAZE Pro <NUM> and ESPERASE <NUM> tend not to be deactivated as readily by a binding agent. Rather, increased pH and/or temperatures typically must be applied in order to deactivate enzymes that are somewhat or fully resistant to such a binding agent and may also be used in an accelerated membrane cleaning procedure.

These tests were performed to show the working principle of a selected cleaning protocol of the invention in a laboratory membrane test apparatus. A semi-automated laboratory membrane test set up was used that contains four (<NUM>) membrane cells. Each of these cells contain <NUM>*<NUM><NUM> membrane surface area. An Ultrafiltration (UF) membrane type was used for these tests and they are manufactured from polyethersulfone (PES) available from Alfa Laval type GR81PP. The four (<NUM>) cells run in parallel and a mean value is taken using the information collected from the four (<NUM>) cells. The fouling solution for these tests included <NUM> wt% of an <NUM> wt% WPC acid whey powder in soft water. The following identifies the steps for the test procedure:.

As identified above, the clean water flux (CWF) is measured both before and after the fouling step, and following the cleaning step. CWF is calculated at a percentage using the following formula: <MAT>.

Table <NUM> that follows identifies three separate cleaning solutions that were tested and the CWF results for each of these solutions.

As the results in Table <NUM> show, after cleaning the membrane with solution <NUM>, the CWF is completely recovered and considered to be clean. No additional deactivation step nor membrane wetting is required to deactivate the enzyme and restore the wetting of the membrane, respectively. This inventive cleaning solution reduces the cleaning time significantly as well as the use of water for intermediate rinsing in subsequently steps and energy demand for heating up subsequently cleaning solutions and circulation of the cleaning solution and rinse steps.

Claim 1:
A method of cleaning a membrane, the method comprising:
pre-rinsing the membrane;
cleaning the membrane using a solution comprising an enzyme and an agent having a pH compatible with the enzyme, the solution having a temperature compatible with the membrane; preventing any divalent ions in the solution from precipitation;
reducing an activity of the enzyme by adding a binding agent capable of deactivating the enzyme to the solution, wherein the method is without rinsing the solution from the membrane from the time the solution is contacted with the membrane to the time used for reducing the activity of the enzyme; and
post-rinsing the membrane for removal of the solution.