Inside a Membrane: Practical Insights from IXOM’s Dairy Filtration Expert

Membrane technology has become central to modern dairy and food processing. Reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and microfiltration systems are now widely used to separate microbes, proteins, lactose, salts and water, as well as to support onsite water reuse. Across Australia, New Zealand and global markets, processors rely on these systems every day—making effective cleaning, troubleshooting and optimisation essential.

For more than two decades, Leighton Butler has worked in the dairy sector, and today he leads IXOM’s membrane support offering for Australia and New Zealand. Backed by a specialist technical team, he works closely with processors to solve operational issues, extend membrane life and improve plant performance.

Below, we explore the practical ways IXOM supports the industry, guided by insights from Leighton’s extensive experience.

A Complete Support Package for Membrane Performance

IXOM supplies the chemical solutions used to clean and maintain membrane systems, but according to Leighton, the real value comes from the expertise wrapped around that chemistry.

“We’re quick to respond to customer challenges and can create bespoke solutions. Having our local innovation and development team behind us makes a huge difference.”

This capability includes onsite testing that avoids delays caused by sending samples overseas, as well as access to technical account managers who spend significant time at customer sites across the country.

Membrane Autopsies: Insight That No One Else Provides in New Zealand

One of IXOM’s most distinctive services is its membrane autopsy program; the only one operating in New Zealand.

When a plant experiences a failure or needs to replace membrane elements, the IXOM team can dissect the element and issue a detailed report. Samples and photographs are taken, with IXOM working alongside analytical labs such as the University of Auckland to confirm membrane failure including:

• Membrane telescoping and channelling
• Pressure creases
• Glue line defects and deterioration
• Fouling and buildup characteristics
• Chemical degradation

This work provides customers with evidence-based explanations for failure, enabling better decisions around optimisation, cleaning regimes and replacement timing. IXOM completes around one autopsy each month, providing an ongoing source of industry insight.

New Diagnostic Capabilities: Polyamide Testing

Within the last six months, IXOM has developed a new polyamide deterioration test for RO and NF membranes. These membranes include a third, polyamide layer, that can degrade due to oxidative stress, chemical exposure or incorrect cleaning conditions.

By measuring the extent and cause of deterioration, IXOM can help customers understand exactly why performance is changing, guiding adjustments before issues escalate.

Training to Support Operators and Managers

IXOM also delivers 2-hour and 4-hour membrane training courses across Australia and New Zealand. These sessions focus on practical knowledge for plant operators and managers, including:

• Fundamentals of membrane operation
• Identifying when a plant is fouled
• Key factors in membrane cleaning
• Designing a membrane CIP
• How to troubleshoot proactively
• Examples of membrane failure

For many sites, this training forms the foundation for improving cleaning consistency and reducing unplanned downtime.

Reliable Chemistry, Reliable Supply

Leighton notes that IXOM’s cleaning chemical range consistently receives positive feedback for effectiveness and value.

Supporting this is IXOM’s bulk liquids team, whose delivery performance ensures customers have the supply continuity they need.

“Consistency and reliability of supply are strengths we really pride ourselves on. Customers depend on us. It sets us apart from others in the market, and allows customers to focus on their operations.”

Onsite Engagement Across the Regions

IXOM’s technical account managers maintain regular onsite contact, conducting reviews, understanding each plant’s needs and helping troubleshoot challenges.

Leighton himself has deep connections across the industry after more than 23 years in dairy, beginning in the Waikato region, moving into South Island leadership roles, and now based in Taranaki.

“Knowing the sites and the people makes a real difference. When a customer calls with a challenge, we can jump straight in because we understand their plant history and what’s normal for their process.”

This long-term relationship building means customers often treat IXOM’s team as an extension of their own, working together proactively and reactively to improve plant performance.

Pilot Plant: A New Zealand First

At Mount Maunganui, IXOM operates the country’s only CIP dedicated pilot plant for ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis filtration. The pilot plant replicates customer setups and allows IXOM to:

• Test different cleaning regimes
• Trial troubleshooting strategies
• Demonstrate chemical effectiveness
• Evaluate membrane behaviour under controlled conditions

Being able to run real-world scenarios in a controlled environment gives processors access to practical insights that are difficult to obtain elsewhere.

A Reputation Built Over Time

For Leighton, the team’s reputation for technical support and practical problem-solving has been earned through years of collaboration with customers.

“The proof of the job we’re doing is in our customer satisfaction. We don’t just provide a product; we’re committed to service, support and people.”

Even with this strong foundation, he emphasises that IXOM continues to look for ways to help customers improve and advance the industry as a whole.

If your team is navigating membrane or filtration challenges, reach out here to explore practical, workable solutions shaped by decades of hands-on industry knowledge.

IXOM MemCare CIP Packages Overview