Fouling, i.e. the unwanted accumulation of materials on surfaces, poses significant challenges across a wide range of industries. Whether it is protein adsorption in pharmaceutical manufacturing, biofilm buildup in food processing, or organic fouling in water treatment, the consequences are universal: reduced efficiency, increased costs, and compromised product quality. In this webinar, we introduce QSense QCM-D technology and show how it can be used to address fouling challenges across industries
The challenges of fouling
Despite its prevalence, fouling remains a complex problem. Fouling mechanisms vary with the nature of the foulant, the surface, and operating conditions. For example, protein layers may denature and crosslink, biofilms can develop their own matrix, and organic polymers can clog membrane pores. Solutions therefore vary depending on the application and materials involved, and without insight into layer formation, growth, and removal, it is challenging to optimize cleaning protocols or predict long-term performance.
Real-time, label-free insight into fouling buildup and removal using QSense QCM-D
QSense QCM-D (Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring) is a surface sensitive analytical tool that enables real-time, label-free analysis of fouling phenomena at surfaces and interfaces. By monitoring mass changes (frequency shifts, Δf) and layer softness (dissipation shifts, ΔD), QCM-D can provide insight into fouling dynamics at various conditions and reveal how the build-up process is affected by e.g. concentration, surface material, and ambient temperature. It can also provide insight into the efficiency of cleaning and antifouling strategies. QCM-D enable you to:
- Monitor foulant buildup over time
- Optimize cleaning protocols by watching foulant removal as it happens
- Compare cleaning agents and side-by-side under identical conditions
- Adapt methods to any membrane material or foulant type
QCM-D in action - examples and case studies
In this webinar, we guide you through QSense technology using three case studies—covering pharmaceuticals, the food industry, and water purification. The final example is a deep dive into our recent ultrafiltration study, where we investigate membrane fouling dynamics and compare cleaning-agent performance. To illustrate the power of QSense QCM-D, we examine how fouling layers formed on membrane surfaces and how different cleaning agents remove them. Watch the webinar recording below to explore these three application areas—and discover how QSense QCM-D can transform your fouling analysis and cleaning optimization.
Access the webinar recording below.
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