Commercial Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) Systems for Food and Wastewater Processing

Abstract

Summary form only given. Pulsed electric field (PEF) processing works through a process of electroporation in cells - destroying the cell membranes through application of short, very high voltage pulses across a liquid. PEF processing can disinfect liquids, improve the performance of industrial processes such as the removal of water from sludge, or the extraction of sugars and starches from plants, because the ruptured cells release their intracellular liquids more easily into their surroundings. This paper will discuss the pulser design and performance, and the modifications required for installation in a commercial wastewater processing facility.