The use of membrane technology as a processing and separation method in the food industry is gaining wide application for demineralization, desalination, stabilization, separation, deacidification, purification, and reducing microbial load.

Perhaps the most obvious application for membrane filtration is reducing dissolved or suspended solids from process water or liquid ingredients. However, membrane filtration can be used to remove microorganisms to prolong shelf life and provide a healthier option than utilizing additives and preservatives.

Membrane separation can also be combined with cold pasteurization and sterilization techniques to create products and ingredients with favorable characteristics. Since membrane separation eliminates the need for heat temperature treatment of products, it can preserve the natural taste of food products and the nutritional value of heat-sensitive components. Also, less energy is required.

Membrane processing plays a key role in wastewater treatment, as well. Wastewater derived from food production varies depending on the type of food (animal processors/rendering plants, fruit/vegetable washers, or edible oil refiners). By implementing membranes, the separated substances and clean water are recoverable.

Ultra-low temperature freezers became popular due to the storage of Covid-19 vaccines, but they have been important components of laboratories for many years. There’s a lot, however, to think about—quality, productivity, maintenance, different types of technology, warranties, etc. And if you end up with the wrong unit, you could incur unnecessary expenses or delays.

In this guide, we’ll talk about some of the most important factors when purchasing an ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezer so you can end up with the right unit for your laboratory needs and budget.

Types of ultra-low temperature freezers

An ultra-low temperature freezer is a unit that preserves and stores biological samples within a temperature range of -50°C to -86°C. First, let’s quickly review the two different types of ultra-low temperature freezers:

(MSI-Viking Gage: Duncan, SC) -- MSI-Viking Gage announced its recent acquisition of Inspec of Canton, Michigan. With the completion of this transaction, Inspec is now a wholly owned subsidiary of MSI Viking.

MSI Viking’s acquisition of Inspec advances its growing service and sales capabilities in the Midwest. According to MSI Viking president Dan Carter, “MSI Viking has been servicing manufacturers in this region for some time now. Inspec is a highly respected metrology company with strong calibration and inspection capabilities that also shares our customer-focused business principles. We are pleased that Inspec’s dedicated and capable staff has become part of the MSI Viking team.” The Michigan operation will continue to be led by Rob Farr, general manager.

“We are delighted with this transaction, which instantly enhances our service and product offerings to our current customers and positions us for significant growth,” says Inspec owner Dale Robenault. “It is our goal to quickly integrate our businesses, as this is a positive alliance for our customers and our employees.”

The United States has more than 6,000 hospitals, and each one has thousands, if not tens of thousands, of clinical assets, such as imaging machines, ventilators, and IV pumps. Managing this equipment becomes a mighty task when hospital staff must handle the monitoring, repair, and maintenance of each.

Even a minor mistake could prove problematic. Missteps can bring on unnecessary expenditures, compromise patient care, and exhaust both the time and spirits of hospital staff. According to TRIMEDX’s health provider surveys, nurses spend up to an hour each shift just locating equipment or verifying its cleanliness.

Avoiding such troubles begins with determining your vulnerabilities within your asset management system. Healthcare facilities struggle with clinical asset management in four fundamental ways.