Glossary of Filtration Technologies: E

E85

E85 is a fuel containing a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

E. coli

E. coli (Escherichia coliform) is named after Theodor Escherich. E. coli is a bacterium that commonly inhabits the human intestine as well as the intestine of other vertebrates. The most thoroughly studied of all bacteria, E. coli is used in many microbiological experiments. It has historically been considered the workhorse of genetic engineering research, and genetically engineered versions have been used to produce human proteins (e.g., insulin). E. coli has 4,288 genes.

Effluent

Generally referred to as the waste product created during plant processing. Typically having a measurable levels of concern including BOD, minerals, total suspended solids (TSS), EC, etc.

EHEDG

European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group

EIA

The Energy Information Administration (EIA). An independent agency within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that develops surveys, collects energy data, and analyzes and models energy issues. The Agency must meet the requests of Congress, other elements within the Department of Energy, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Executive Branch, its own independent needs, and assist the general public, or other interest groups, without taking a policy position. See more information about EIA at http://www.eia.doe.gov.

Electrodialysis

Electrodialysis (ED) is a process for separating ions by electrical energy. It is a physical-chemical method typically used if a reduction in dissolved salts is required. Soluble salts are separated from water by using an electrical current and an arrangement of permeable membranes.

Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis is a well known electrokinetic phenomenon. It was discovered by Reuss in 1807 when he observed that clay particles dispersed in water migrate under influence of an applied electric field. Today, electrophoresis is a common method of separating molecules (such as DNA fragments or proteins) from a mixture of similar molecules.

Element

The part of the module which contains the replaceable membrane.

Elutriation

Elutriation, also known as air classification, is a process for separating lighter particles from heavier ones using a vertically-directed stream of gas or liquid. The smaller or lighter particles rise to the top (overflow) because their terminal velocities are lower than the velocity of the rising fluid.

Endotoxin

Endotoxin is a bacterial toxin composed of protein, lipid, and polysaccharides. The toxin is present in the environment only after the death of the bacteria.

Enzyme

A protein molecule produced by living organisms able to catalyze, or facilitate, a specific chemical reaction involving other substances without itself being destroyed or changed in any way.

Ethanol

The most widely used renewable biofuel today. Ethanol is made by converting starch crops into sugars, the sugars are fermented into ethanol which is then distilled into its final form. Its main uses are to enhance vehicle performance and as a fuel oxygenate to improve the emissions profile of gasoline.

Evaporation

Evaporation is the process whereby atoms or molecules in a liquid state (or solid state if the substance sublimes) gain sufficient energy to enter the gaseous state. In other words, the process by which a liquid changes into a gas. (vaporization: the process of becoming a vapor; dehydration: the process of extracting moisture).

extended shelf life (ESL)

ESL (extended shelf life) is not a fixed standard and doesn't define how much longer the shelf life has to be compared to traditional UHT, HTST and pasteurization solutions. It simply has to be an improvement and this improvement can be significant or insignificant. For decades, traditional pasteurization has been seen as the benchmark for hygiene and safety for dairy plants. But more and more dairy producers see extended shelf life (ESL) solutions as the only reasonable way to go. But how: Beginning with a raw milk which should be as clean as possible, the ESL focus on minimizing "process survivors" in the form of bacteria, spores and other micro-organisms. This is performed in the processing stage, where most microorganisms can be removed by separation, membrane filtration (microfiltration) or killed by heat treatment processes. Pasteurization is always performed, as it is required by law. The other focus is on avoiding microbial recontamination and regrowth. The method is to sterilize all product contact surfaces such as those in the filling machine and keep the product temperature constantly low. The main factor for implementation of ESL is to pay attention to every factor, because everything from raw product quality to distribution temperature is crucial. Apparently unrelated factors like the quality of the cows' pasture and fodder will influence the microbial quality of raw milk. ESL is more than just a technology for killing microorganisms and keeping up good hygiene level during all operations. Environmental factors are also important and the general cleanliness of the production facilities is equally important. Another factor is the distribution temperature which is also quite important for good shelf life.

GEA Filtration supply membrane filtration systems which is a pressure driven process that uses a semi-permeable membrane (typically spiral membranes, ceramic membranes, stainless steel membranes, hollow fiber membranes. tubular membranes and/or plate and frame systems) to separate particulate matter from soluble components in the carrier fluid such as water, milk, or even a solvent.