Smart Juice Clarification System Using Bio-Polymer Membrane

Abstract

Juice clarification is essential for producing high-quality, safe, and visually appealing fruit juices, yet conventional methods such as chemical treatment, thermal processing, and synthetic membranes often result in nutrient loss, high energy consumption, and environmental concerns. This research presents a Smart Juice Clarification System using a biodegradable biopolymer membrane fabricated from polylactic acid (PLA) with chloroform as the solvent and Chitrak mool powder as a natural functional additive. Chitrak mool is incorporated due to its bioactive compounds, which enhance filtration performance and provide antimicrobial properties. Membrane films are prepared with four different Chitrak mool concentrations—5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%—and characterized using Differential Gel Analysis (DGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Tomography (XRT) to evaluate structural integrity, chemical composition, and porosity. The 20% formulation demonstrates the highest turbidity removal efficiency and fouling resistance. The system integrates smart sensors to continuously monitor key parameters such as turbidity, pressure, flow rate, and membrane fouling, enabling real-time optimization and automated cleaning cycles. Data from the sensors is processed through a microcontroller-based control system, which adjusts operational parameters to maintain optimal filtration performance. Experimental results indicate that the proposed system can efficiently clarify fruit juices with minimal nutrient loss while remaining energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. This approach demonstrates a scalable, intelligent, and sustainable solution for modern juice processing, combining biodegradable materials with smart monitoring for enhanced product quality and operational efficiency. The system has potential for adoption in industrial and small-scale food processing applications.