System and method for filtering beverages

Abstract

To provide a system and method for preparing a Not From Concentrate (NFC) juice that has a reduced microbial load and increased shelf stability.SOLUTION: There is provided a filtration system including a water circulation loop. The water circulation loop includes: a mixing tank configured to receive an ultrafiltration retentate and a reverse osmosis permeate; an ultrafiltration device configured to receive flow from the mixing tank; a reverse osmosis filter configured to receive flow from an ultrafiltration permeate side, and deliver the reverse osmosis permeate to the mixing tank; a heater configured to receive flow from an ultrafiltration retentate side, and comprising an output line; a microfilter coupled with and configured to receive flow from the reverse osmosis filter, and having a particle size cut-off of 1 μm or smaller, the microfilter being configured in a direct flow filtration mode; and a mixer coupled with and configured to receive flow from the heater output line and a microfiltration filtrate side.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 938,718, filed on November 21, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for filtering beverages. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for filtering juice and producing non - concentrated juice.

Background Art

[0003] Beverages prepared from fruits, vegetables, and other plant parts, as well as dairy beverages, are often processed to reduce microbial load and extend shelf life. Such processing may include heating (e.g., pasteurization). However, when a beverage is heated, its aroma profile changes, and beneficial micronutrients that may be present in the raw (unprocessed) beverage can degrade.

[0004] An example of a beverage that is commonly pasteurized to extend shelf life is orange juice. Commercial mass production of orange juice began in response to the need to provide vitamin C - rich foods to U.S. soldiers during World War II. The first frozen concentrated orange juice products were sold in the late 1940s. While concentrated juice has allowed many consumers to easily and inexpensively consume orange juice, the processing used to produce the concentrate has led to undesirable changes in the aroma and mouthfeel of the juice. Non - concentrated ("NFC") orange juice has been developed to provide a product with improved aroma and mouthfeel. However, in NFC juice, although the aroma is improved compared to concentrated juice, due to the need to pasteurize the juice to reduce microbial load, many aroma components and other heat - labile components in the juice, such as vitamin C, still undergo degradation.

[0005] Freshly squeezed, non-pasteurized juice is becoming increasingly popular among consumers due to its excellent aroma. However, without undergoing processes such as pasteurization, the microbial load in the juice significantly shortens its shelf life compared to pasteurized NFC juice. Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] There is a need to provide a system and method for preparing a beverage with reduced microbial load and improved shelf life. There is a need to provide a system and method for preparing NFC juice with reduced microbial load and improved shelf life. Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A method for preparing a filtered beverage includes filtering a raw beverage using a crossflow ultrafiltration device to produce a solid fraction and a liquid fraction, heating the solid fraction to a temperature of 60°C or higher to produce a pasteurized solid fraction, microfiltering the liquid fraction through a microfilter having a fractional size of 1 µm or less to produce a microfiltered liquid fraction, and blending the pasteurized solid fraction and the microfiltered liquid fraction to yield a filtered beverage. In some embodiments, the beverage is fruit or vegetable juice.

[0008] A filtration system includes an ultrafiltration device defining an ultrafiltration retentate side and an ultrafiltration permeate side, the ultrafiltration device configured in a crossflow mode, a heater coupled to and configured to receive flow from the ultrafiltration retentate side and including a discharge line, a microfilter coupled to and configured to receive flow from the ultrafiltration permeate side, the microfilter including a microfiltration upstream side and a microfiltration filtrate side and having a fractional particle size of 1 µm or less, the microfilter configured in a direct flow filtration mode, and a mixer coupled to the discharge line of the heater and the microfiltration filtrate side and configured to receive flow from them. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for filtering beverages. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for filtering fruit and vegetable juices such as orange juice and producing non-concentrated ("NFC") juice. The present disclosure provides systems and methods for preparing NFC juice (especially orange juice) with reduced microbial load and increased storage stability. The NFC juice produced by the method of the present disclosure exhibits a flavor profile equivalent to that of freshly squeezed, non-pasteurized orange juice and a microbial load equivalent to that of pasteurized NFC orange juice.

[0011] The term "beverage" is used herein to refer to any liquid suitable for human consumption. Examples of beverages include fruit juices, vegetable juices, liquid dairy products (e.g., milk), fermented liquid dairy products (e.g., buttermilk), infusions or extracts (e.g., tea, coffee), fermented liquids (e.g., beer, wine, etc.), broths (e.g., vegetable broth, broth from meat or bones, mushroom broth, etc.).

[0012] The term "juice" is used herein to refer to a liquid obtained from fruits, vegetables or other plant parts (e.g., leaves, roots, tubers, etc.). Juice can be obtained, for example, by compressing or squeezing fruits, vegetables or other plant parts. Juice may contain solids from fruits, vegetables or other plant parts.

[0013] The terms "raw beverage" and "raw juice" are used in the present disclosure to describe a beverage or juice after it has been obtained and before it has been concentrated or further processed to remove or kill pathogens. For example, the beverage or juice has not been heated (e.g., pasteurized) or irradiated.

[0014] The term "sugar" is used herein to refer to monosaccharides and disaccharides, such as glucose, fructose, sucrose, etc.

[0015] The term "crossflow" is used herein to refer to a filtration mode in which a fluid flows across the surface of a filter membrane, components larger than the fractionation size of the filter membrane remain on the retentate side, and components smaller than the fractionation size flow through the membrane to the permeate side. The continuous flow across the membrane can wash away substances on the retentate side.

[0016] The term "direct flow" is used herein to refer to a filtration mode in which a fluid flows through a filter such as a cartridge filter, components larger than the fractional size of the filter medium remain on the upstream side of the filter, and components smaller than the fractional size flow downstream through the filter medium. A direct flow filter may also be referred to as a dead-end filter. A direct flow filter can be cleaned or backwashed during a cleaning or backwash cycle in which the flow through the filter is reversed.

[0017] The terms "pasteurize" and "pasteurization" are used herein to refer to a heat treatment for removing pathogens in a product, typically a liquid food. During pasteurization, the product is heated to a high temperature, such as at least 60 °C or at least 70 °C, for a time set, for example, from a plurality of seconds to several minutes. The specific temperature and time depend on the type of product, the pathogen of interest, and the desired rate of microbial load reduction.

[0018] The term "log reduction" is used herein to refer to the reduction in the number of microorganisms in a product given as a log10 value. For example, a 5 log reduction is used to mean a 100,000-fold reduction. Log reduction can be determined using any suitable method such as a microbial culture test.

[0019] The terms "microorganism" and "pathogen" are used interchangeably and both broadly refer to bacteria, yeast, and filamentous fungi. Examples of microorganisms and pathogens include spoilage pathogens such as spoilage bacteria (e.g., Acetobacter, Alicyclobacillus, Bacillus, Gluconobacter, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Zymomonas, and Zymobacter), yeasts (e.g., Pichia, Candida, Saccharomyces, and Rhodotorula), filamentous fungi (e.g., Pichia, Candida, Saccharomyces, and Rhodotorula), and pathogens that cause diseases (e.g., E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella, etc.).

[0020] As used herein, the term "substantially" has the same meaning as "significantly" and can be understood to modify the subsequent term to be at least about 75%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98% thereof. As used herein, the term "insubstantially" has the same meaning as "not significantly" and can be understood to have the opposite meaning of "substantially", i.e., to modify the subsequent term to be 25% or less, 10% or less, 5% or less, or 2% or less thereof.

[0021] As used herein, the term "about" is used with a numerical value to include the normal variations in the measured values expected by those skilled in the art and has the same meaning as "substantially" and is understood to include typical errors such as ±5% of the recited value.

[0022] The terms "a", "an", and "the" are not to refer only to a single entity but to include general classifications for which specific examples may be used for illustration purposes.

[0023] The terms "a", "an", and "the" are used interchangeably with "at least one". The phrases "at least one of" and "comprising at least one of" following a list refer to any one of the items in the list and any combination of two or more of the items in the list.

[0024] As used herein, the term "or" is used in its ordinary sense, including "and / or", unless the context clearly requires otherwise. The term "and / or" means any one or all of the listed elements or any combination of two or more of the listed elements.

[0025] The recitation of a numerical range by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc., and 10 or less includes 10, 9.4, 7.6, 5, 4.3, 2.9, 1.62, 0.3, etc.). When a range of values is specified as being "up to" or "at least" a particular value, that value is included within the range.

[0026] The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments that may provide certain benefits under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may be preferred in the same or other circumstances. Further, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, nor does it exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, including the claims.

[0027] According to one embodiment, a system and method for filtering beverages such as fruit or vegetable juice are provided. In particular, the system and method may be suitable for filtering orange juice and producing NFC juice. The system and method utilize filtration and partial heating of the beverage to provide a desired log reduction of pathogens in the beverage. The final product is a processed beverage that may exhibit a flavor profile equivalent to that of a raw, un-pasteurized juice. The processed beverage may have a microbial load equivalent to that of pasteurized NFC orange juice. The system and method can produce a higher quality and longer shelf-life beverage compared to similar beverages processed by conventional methods.

[0028] The United States Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) regulates juice processing using the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points system (the “HACCP”). In particular, the FDA applies a 5-log pathogen reduction performance standard, which means that producers must process juice to achieve a 5-log reduction in the number of microorganisms, i.e., a 100,000-fold reduction. Producers can use control measures that have been proven effective in reducing the number of microorganisms and must demonstrate the efficacy of the reduction, for example, by periodic testing.

[0029] In particular, the processing of orange juice is known to be difficult because, at least in part, the concentrations of heat-sensitive components, including suspended and dissolved solids as well as aroma components, vitamins, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals, are high. Known treatments used to reduce the microbial load of orange juice also result in a change in the aroma profile and the destruction of at least some of the heat-sensitive components. The present disclosure provides a system and method for reducing the microbial load while preserving a substantial portion of the heat-sensitive and aroma components.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the system includes a direct flow filter connected to and in fluid communication with (e.g., receiving flow therefrom) the permeate side of the ultrafiltration device. By using a direct flow filter with an appropriately selected pore size, all or substantially all of the microorganisms in the fluid stream are reliably captured and removed. The direct flow filter can remove at least 99%, at least 99.9%, at least 99.99%, at least 99.999% or at least 99.9999% of the microorganisms in the fluid stream. In other words, the direct flow filter can be used for pasteurization of the fluid stream. The direct flow filter can also be tested using a pressure retention test to confirm its integrity. A direct flow filter that passes the test can reliably achieve the desired level of microorganism removal from the fluid stream. In other words, the advantage of using a direct flow filter is that a specific level or removal of microorganism load can be guaranteed from the pressure retention test.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the system and method include separating a beverage into two streams (e.g., a solids stream and a liquid stream) and treating the two streams separately in a manner that ensures a specific reduction in microorganism load (e.g., 5 log or more), with at least one of the streams (e.g., the liquid stream) being treated by a method that does not include heating or radiation. According to one embodiment, the solids stream can be treated by pasteurization and the liquid stream can be treated by microfiltration. The streams can then be blended.

[0032] According to certain embodiments, the system and method achieve a 5 log reduction with certainty. For example, the system and method may include a integrity test. An example of an integrity test includes selecting a fraction size of a filter that provides a desired reduction (e.g., 5 log or more), and checking the integrity of a direct flow membrane filter at the end of the membrane sanitization process. The check may include two steps, namely 1) completely wetting the membrane cartridge with purified water, and 2) performing a pressure hold test or a forward flow diffusion flow test at a given test pressure. For example, in the case of a 0.2 μm absolute velocity cartridge, the pressure hold test may include creating a pressure between a compressed air source and the wet membrane at a test pressure of 35 psi, and then monitoring at a constant volume and detecting a pressure drop of less than 3 psi over 10 minutes through the membrane. The diffusion flow test may include setting the pressure of the same membrane to 35 psi, measuring the volumetric flow rate required to maintain a stable pressure over the test time, e.g., less than 30 mL / min for 10-inch and 2.7-inch diameter cartridge filters, and comparing the measured flow rate to a threshold value to determine if there are any defects in the cartridge filter (e.g., if it functions as expected).

[0033] In some embodiments, the system of the present disclosure is used to process raw beverages. The raw beverage can be a fruit juice such as orange juice. FIG. 1 is a representation of the major components of fruit juice by size. As can be seen from the figure, components of various sizes can exist as suspended solids, colloidal dispersions, and dissolved solids in the juice. The largest components exist as suspended solids and include pulp, whole cells, starch granules, and yeast cells with a particle size of approximately 5 μm or more. Components generally less than 1 μm in size and existing as colloidal dispersions include bacteria, cell wall fragments, chromoplasts, oil droplets, pectin, hemicellulose, and proteins. Dissolved components with a particle size less than 0.001 μm include many components that contribute to flavor or provide health benefits, such as bioflavonoids, vitamins, organic acids, sugars, and salts.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the systems and methods of the present disclosure are suitable and advantageous for the treatment of beverages such as raw juice. This is because the systems and methods of the present disclosure can reduce the microbial load of the raw juice without impairing the flavor and phytonutrients such as vitamins present in the raw juice. According to an embodiment, the raw beverage has not been subjected to a treatment for concentrating or removing or killing pathogenic bacteria before being processed in the system of the present disclosure. For example, the raw beverage has not been heat-treated (e.g., pasteurized) or irradiated. In some embodiments, the raw beverage has not been chemically treated before being processed within the system of the present disclosure. According to some embodiments, no components including solids, fusible components, and microorganisms have been removed from the raw beverage after acquisition (e.g., juicing, pressing, compressing, fermenting, etc.) and before being processed within the system of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, pectin has not been removed from the raw beverage, e.g., juice. In some embodiments, the raw beverage has not been filtered before being processed within the system of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the raw beverage has not been centrifuged before being processed within the system of the present disclosure.

[0035] A general treatment process is schematically shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2A. The raw beverage (e.g., juice) can first be separated into two streams, namely a solid fraction and a liquid fraction. The raw beverage can be separated into a solid fraction and a liquid fraction using a suitable filtration device such as an ultrafiltration device. The solid fraction stream can contain most, substantially all, or all of the suspended solids of the raw beverage. In some embodiments, the solid fraction has a water content that is low but has water-repellent properties. Most of the water, other liquid components, and dissolved solids can be included in the liquid fraction. The weight ratio of the solid fraction to the liquid fraction can be approximately 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, or 1:10, or any range therebetween (e.g., 1:5 to 1:10).

[0036] According to certain embodiments, the solids and the liquid are processed separately after separation and then these portions are combined to form the final product. Different processing methods can be used for each portion. The processing methods can be effective in reducing the microbial load and can be selected so as to have little impact on the flavor and nutrient profile of the final (combined) product. The solids can be processed to kill pathogens. Processing of the solids can include, for example, heating (e.g., pasteurization), irradiation, or a combination thereof. The liquid can be processed by methods that do not include heating or irradiation. The liquid can be filtered to remove pathogens. Filtration of the liquid can include, for example, microfiltration, whereby a microfiltered liquid is obtained. According to certain embodiments, the liquid is not heated or pasteurized. For example, during the method, the temperature of the liquid does not become higher than 35°C, higher than 40°C, higher than 45°C, or higher than 50°C. The processed solids and liquid are combined (e.g., mixed) to produce the final product.

[0037] In some embodiments, the solids include most or substantially all of the suspended solids of the original beverage. The solids can include most or substantially all of the pectin present in a beverage, such as raw juice. The solids can also include naturally occurring enzymes, pectin methyl esterase. The water content of the solids can be about 50 wt% or less, 40 wt% or less, 30 wt% or less, or 20 wt% or less. The solids content of the solids can be 50 wt% or more, 60 wt% or more, 70 wt% or more, or 80 wt% or more.

[0038] In some embodiments, the liquid portion contains most of the water and water-soluble components (e.g., dissolved solids) of the original beverage. The water content of the liquid portion can be about 75 wt% or more, 80 wt% or more, 85 wt% or more, or 90 wt% or more. The water content of the liquid portion can be less than 100 wt%, for example, 99 wt% or less, 98 wt% or less, or 95 wt% or less. The liquid portion can contain dissolved solids in the range of 1 wt% to 25 wt%, 5 wt% to 20 wt%, 8 wt% to 20 wt%, or 10 wt% to 15 wt%. In some embodiments, most of the dissolved solids are sugars. The dissolved sugar content of the substance can be estimated using the refraction of light and is expressed as the Brix value or degrees Brix (°Bx). One degree Brix is equivalent to about 1 gram of sucrose in 100 grams of solution. The Brix value indicated by the solids content can be 10 or less, 8 or less, 7 or less, 6 or less, 5 or less, or 4 or less.

[0039] The water content of the original beverage can be about 70 wt% or more, 75 wt% or more, 80 wt% or more, 85 wt% or more, or 90 wt% or more. The water content of the original beverage can be up to 98 wt%, 95 wt%, up to 90 wt%, up to 85 wt%, or up to 80 wt%. The water content of the final product (processed filtered beverage) can be equivalent to that of the original beverage. In other words, the amount of either liquid or solid that can be removed from the original beverage by the treatment can be minimal. For example, the original beverage can have a first water content, the processed filtered beverage can have a second water content, and the second water content can be within ±10% of the first water content. In some embodiments, the water content of the processed filtered beverage is about 70 wt% or more, 75 wt% or more, 80 wt% or more, 85 wt% or more, or 90 wt% or more. The water content of the processed filtered beverage can be up to 98 wt%, 95 wt%, up to 90 wt%, up to 85 wt%, or up to 80 wt%.

[0040] An exemplary system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 2B. System 1 may include a source of raw beverage, such as raw juice. The source of raw beverage may be, for example, a tank, a squeezer, or a supply line. The source of raw beverage may be connected to the input 101 of the ultrafiltration device 100 via the input line 10. The ultrafiltration device 100 may be used to separate the raw beverage into solid and liquid components. The solid component may include most or substantially all of the suspended solids of the raw beverage. The liquid component may include water, other liquids, and dissolved solids.

[0041] The ultrafiltration device 100 may be arranged in a crossflow configuration. In a crossflow configuration, the fluid (in this case, juice) is flowed across the entire filter membrane, and components smaller than the fractionation size of the filter in the fluid may permeate to the permeate side of the filter, and the remainder of the fluid, which includes components larger than the fractionation size, remains on the retentate side and continues to flow.

[0042] The ultrafiltration device 100 may be configured as a flat (e.g., rectangular) flow device in which one or more membranes are arranged along a plane, or as a cylindrical device that includes a wound roll of the membrane. An exemplary flat (rectangular) ultrafiltration membrane device 123 is schematically shown in FIG. 4A, and an exemplary detached ultrafiltration membrane 123' of a cylindrical ultrafiltration device is schematically shown in FIG. 4B. The ultrafiltration device 100 may house the ultrafiltration membranes 123, 123' that define a retentate side 113 and a permeate side 112. The ultrafiltration membranes 123, 123' may be a single membrane 23, a membrane manifold, or a wound roll of the separation membrane 23 arranged within a filter housing or cartridge. The ultrafiltration device 100 may have an inlet for receiving the influent flow 111 and outlets for the effluent flows of the retentate 130 and the permeate 120. The separation membrane 23 may be selected to remove (e.g., retain) solid particles or molecules larger than a specific fractionation size. The layers of the separation membrane 23 may be separated by spacers 141. The separation membrane 23 itself may also include a spacer layer 124 to facilitate the flow of the permeate 120.

[0043] The ultrafiltration device can be configured to retain most, substantially all, or all of the suspended solids of the raw beverage on the retentate side of the membrane. The ultrafiltration device can be configured such that most or substantially all of the aroma and flavor components of the raw beverage and other small molecules such as vitamins can pass through to the permeate side of the membrane. The fractional particle size of the ultrafiltration membrane can be defined based on molecular weight. For example, the fractional particle size of the ultrafiltration membrane can be selected based on the size of the small molecules that are desired to remain in the liquid fraction, and particles, suspended solids, and microorganisms larger than that are included in the solid fraction. For example, small molecules that are desired to remain in the liquid fraction include sugars (e.g., the molecular weights of monosaccharides and disaccharides range from 180 to 350 Da (Dalton)), flavor components, vitamins (e.g., the molecular weights of most vitamin B and C are within the range of 120 to 450 Da), flavonoids (e.g., the molecular weights of certain flavonoids are within the range of 300 to 700 Da), and / or other phytochemicals. On the other hand, larger particles such as cell wall fragments and bacteria typically have a particle size larger than 0.5 μm (when expressed in terms of molecular weight, approximately 500 kDa (kilodalton) or more). The fractional molecular weight of the ultrafiltration membrane can be 10 kDa or more, 20 kDa or more, 40 kDa or more, 60 kDa or more, 80 kDa or more, or 100 kDa or more. The fractional molecular weight can be 300 kDa or less, 250 kDa or less, 200 kDa or less, 150 kDa or less, 120 kDa or less, or 100 kDa or less. In some embodiments, the fractional molecular weight ranges from 10 kDa to 300 kDa or from 100 kDa to 200 kDa.

[0044] Referring again to FIG. 2B, the separated liquid fraction (permeate 120) exits the ultrafiltration device 100 at the outlet 102 and flows along line 20 to the microfiltration device 200. The microfiltration device 200 can be configured as a direct flow filter. The microfiltration device 200 can house a microfilter selected to retain most, substantially all, or all of the microorganisms present in the liquid fraction. The microfilter can define an upstream side and a filtrate side. The microfilter can be a cartridge filter and includes a cartridge containing a suitable filter medium. Examples of suitable filter media include pleated filter media and microfiltration membranes. The fractionation size of the microfilter can be 1.2 μm or less, 1.1 μm or less, 1 μm or less, 0.9 μm or less, 0.8 μm or less, 0.7 μm or less, 0.6 μm or less, or 0.5 μm or less. The fractionation size of the microfilter can be 0.1 μm or more, 0.2 μm or more, 0.3 μm or more, 0.4 μm or more, or 0.5 μm or more. In some embodiments, the fractionation size can be in the range of 0.2 μm to 1.0 μm. By using a properly selected fractionation direct flow filter, the permeate (filtered liquid fraction) can be mixed without additional treatment to obtain a final product, because the direct flow filter retains all or substantially all of the microorganisms on the upstream side. According to an embodiment, the microfiltration device 200 is configured as a direct flow filter, and its fractionation size is 1.2 μm or less, 1.1 μm or less, 1 μm or less, 0.9 μm or less, 0.8 μm or less, 0.7 μm or less, 0.6 μm or less, or 0.5 μm or less, and achieves removal of at least 99%, at least 99.9%, at least 99.99%, at least 99.999%, or at least 99.9999% of the microorganisms present in the separated liquid fraction. In some embodiments, the microfiltration device 200 can sterilize the separated liquid fraction.

[0045] According to certain embodiments, the microfiltered liquid fraction exhibits at least a 5 log reduction in pathogens compared to the raw beverage. In some embodiments, the microfiltered liquid fraction is substantially free of pathogens. According to certain embodiments, the microfiltered liquid fraction is substantially free of pathogens without undergoing heat treatment, irradiation, or both heat and irradiation treatment. In particular, according to certain embodiments, the liquid fraction is treated without undergoing heat treatment, irradiation, or both heat and irradiation treatment and is substantially free of pathogens without undergoing heat treatment, irradiation, or both heat and irradiation treatment. Heat treatment is considered to be a treatment in which the temperature of a substance is raised to 50 °C or higher. Therefore, according to certain embodiments, the temperature of the liquid fraction during the process does not reach 50 °C or higher. The liquid fraction may contain most of the dissolved solids of the raw beverage (e.g., sugars, flavor components, vitamins, flavonoids, and other phytonutrients).

[0046] According to certain embodiments, the liquid fraction contains most of the sugars in the raw beverage. According to certain embodiments, the liquid fraction contains 50% or more, 60% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, or 95% or more of the sugars in the raw beverage. According to certain embodiments, the liquid fraction contains most of the vitamin C in the raw beverage. According to certain embodiments, the vitamin C concentration of the liquid fraction is 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, or 85% or more of the vitamin C concentration of the raw beverage.

[0047] The separated solids (retentate 130) exit the ultrafiltration device 100 at the outlet 103 and flow along line 30 to the processing device 300. The processing device 300 is connected to the retentate side of the ultrafiltration device 100 and is configured to receive the flow therefrom. The processing device 300 can be, for example, a heater (e.g., a pasteurizer). Other possible devices include, for example, devices that can apply UV, high energy, or molecular radiation to the solids. In one embodiment, the processing device 300 includes a pasteurizer. The pasteurizer can include a heating tank or a flow-through heater (e.g., a heat exchanger). The pasteurizer can be configured to heat the solids to a temperature sufficient to kill pathogens. For example, the pasteurizer can be configured to heat the solids to about 60 °C or higher, 65 °C or higher, or 70 °C or higher. The pasteurizer can be configured to heat the solids to about 95 °C or lower, 90 °C or lower, 85 °C or lower, 80 °C or lower, 75 °C or lower, or 70 °C or lower. The pasteurizer can be configured to maintain the temperature of the solids at the pasteurization temperature for a predetermined time. For example, the pasteurizer can be configured to maintain the solids at the pasteurization temperature for 10 seconds or longer, 30 seconds or longer, 1 minute or longer, or 2 minutes or longer. The pasteurizer can be configured to maintain the solids at the pasteurization temperature for 15 minutes or shorter, 10 minutes or shorter, 5 minutes or shorter, or 2 minutes or shorter. According to one embodiment, no flow flows from the microfiltration device 200 to the processing device 300.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the processed (e.g., pasteurized) solids exhibit at least a 5 log reduction in pathogens compared to the raw beverage. In some embodiments, the processed (e.g., pasteurized) solids are substantially free of pathogens.

[0049] The precision-filtered liquid fraction can flow from the precision filtration device 200 to the mixer 400 via line 42, and the processed solids can flow from the processing device 300 to the mixer 400 via line 43. The mixer 400 is connected to the filtrate side of the precision filtration device 200 and the processing device 300 and can receive the flows from them. The mixer 400 can include a mixing container or can be an in-line mixer. The final product (processed beverage, such as juice) can be discharged from the system 1 via the discharge line 50. According to certain embodiments, the final product exhibits at least a 5 log reduction in pathogens compared to the raw beverage. In some embodiments, the final product contains few pathogens.

[0050] In some embodiments, the precision-filtered liquid fraction is not mixed with the processed solids. Rather, the precision-filtered liquid fraction can be recovered and optionally packaged to provide a beverage containing the filtered liquid fraction of the raw juice. According to certain embodiments, the beverage product is made by filtering a friction beverage, such as raw juice, using a crossflow ultrafiltration device to separate solids from the liquid fraction and precision-filtering the liquid fraction through a microfilter having a fractional size of 1.2 μm or less, 1.1 μm or less, 1.0 μm or less, 0.9 μm or less, 0.8 μm or less, 0.7 μm or less, 0.6 μm or less, or 0.5 μm or less and / or 0.1 μm or more, 0.2 μm or more, 0.3 μm or more, 0.4 μm or more, or 0.5 μm or more to produce a filtered liquid fraction. The filtered liquid fraction has been found to retain at least a portion or most of the color of the raw beverage (e.g., raw juice) while being mostly or completely clear (e.g., having no turbidity). The filtered liquid fraction made from fruit juice has also been found to retain most of the aroma and at least a portion of the fragrance of the raw beverage (e.g., raw juice).

[0051] According to an embodiment, the method further includes utilizing water recirculation to facilitate washing more sugar and other small molecules from the solids. A schematic flow diagram of such a process is shown in FIG. 3A, and a system diagram of a system configured for that process is shown in FIG. 3B. As can be seen from FIG. 3A, the process is otherwise similar to that described with respect to FIG. 2A, but additionally, reverse osmosis ("RO") is used to separate water from the liquid fraction, and the RO water is refluxed to the mixing tank and mixed with the solids. The added water dilutes the sugar and small molecules present in the solids and facilitates removing them during a subsequent ultrafiltration step.

[0052] As described above, the separated solids (retentate 130) exit the ultrafiltration device 100 at the outlet 103 and flow along line 30. However, instead of being directed to the processing device 300, the solids are first mixed with RO water in the mixing tank 500 and then ultrafiltered again in the ultrafiltration device 100'. This cycle can be repeated multiple times until the sugar content in the solids reaches a desired value. Monitoring the sugar content in the solids can be used as an indicator of the separation efficiency of separating sugar and small molecules from the solids. The processing device 300 is connected to the retentate side of the ultrafiltration device 100' and is configured to receive the flow therefrom. The processing device 300 can be as described with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B. The RO retentate (liquid fraction with some water removed) is combined with the original liquid fraction stream and microfiltered to produce a filtered liquid fraction. The washed solids contain less sugar and small molecules than the original solids and are processed (e.g., pasteurized). The processed (e.g., pasteurized) solids are combined with the microfiltered liquid fraction to produce processed juice.

[0053] The system 1' shown in FIG. 3B includes the components of the system 1 shown in FIG. 2B and further includes the components of the water circulation loop. In particular, FIG. 3B includes an RO membrane filter 600, which is in fluid communication with (e.g., receives flow from) the permeate side 112' of the ultrafiltration device 100' via line 21 through outlet 102'. The RO membrane filter 600 has a permeate side 612 that is in fluid communication with (e.g., delivers flow to) a mixing tank 500 (e.g., a cleaning tank) via line 62. The mixing tank 500 also receives flow along line 30 from the retentate side (outlet 103) of the ultrafiltration device 100. The mixing tank 500 is in fluid communication with (e.g., delivers flow to) the ultrafiltration device 100' via line 50. The RO membrane filter 600 further has a retentate side 613 that is in fluid communication with (e.g., delivers flow to) the microfilter 200 via line 63. The retentate side 113' of the ultrafiltration device 100' delivers flow to the processing device 300 along line 31 through outlet 103'.

[0054] According to certain embodiments, by using a water recirculation loop, the relative sugar content in the liquid fraction can be much higher. For example, the liquid fraction can include 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, or 98% or more of the sugar of the original beverage. According to certain embodiments, the liquid fraction has a vitamin C concentration that is 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, or 98% or more of the vitamin C of the original beverage.

[0055] In some embodiments, the beverage is obtained by the methods described herein and comprises a filtered liquid fraction having a suspended solids content of 5 wt% or less or 2 wt% or less. In some embodiments, the beverage consists essentially of pasteurized solids and a microfiltered liquid fraction. In some embodiments, the beverage consists of pasteurized solids and a microfiltered liquid fraction. In some embodiments, the beverage consists essentially of a filtered liquid fraction. In some embodiments, the beverage contains sugars and aroma components that have not been heat treated or irradiated, and the beverage has a microbial load of 10 CFU / g (colony forming units per gram). In some embodiments, the beverage contains small molecules having a molecular weight of less than 1000 Da that have not been heat treated or irradiated with radiation, and has a microbial load of less than 10 CFU / g. The small molecules can include sugars, aroma components, and vitamins. In some embodiments, the beverage consists of pasteurized solids and a microfiltered liquid fraction. In other words, in some embodiments, the filtered liquid fraction is not formulated with the solids.

[0056] The following is a list of exemplary aspects of articles according to the present disclosure.

[0057] According to aspect 1, a method of preparing a filtered beverage, such as a fruit juice, comprises filtering a raw beverage, such as a raw juice, using a cross-flow ultrafiltration device to produce a solids fraction and a liquid fraction, heating the solids fraction to a temperature of 60°C or higher, 65°C or higher, or 70°C or higher and / or 95°C or lower, 90°C or lower, 85°C or lower, 80°C or lower, 75°C or lower, or 70°C or lower to produce pasteurized solids, microfiltering the liquid fraction through a microfilter having a fractionation size of 1.2 μm or less, 1.1 μm or less, 1.0 μm or less, 0.9 μm or less, 0.8 μm or less, 0.7 μm or less, 0.6 μm or less, or 0.5 μm or less and / or 0.1 μm or more, 0.2 μm or more, 0.3 μm or more, 0.4 μm or more, or 0.5 μm or more to produce a microfiltered liquid fraction, and combining the pasteurized solids and the microfiltered liquid fraction to provide a filtered beverage, such as a filtered juice.

[0058] Aspect 2 is Method Aspect 1 where the beverage contains raw juice.

[0059] Aspect 3 is the method of Aspect 1 or 2 where the raw beverage, such as raw juice, has a water content of 70% by weight or more, 75% by weight or more, 80% by weight or more, 85% by weight or more, or 90% by weight or more and / or up to 95% by weight, up to 90% by weight, up to 85% by weight, or up to 80% by weight, and the filtered beverage, such as filtered juice, has a water content of 70% by weight or more, 75% by weight or more, 80% by weight or more, 85% by weight or more, or 90% by weight or more and / or up to 95% by weight, up to 90% by weight, up to 85% by weight, or up to 80% by weight.

[0060] Aspect 4 is the method of any one of Aspects 1 to 3 where the raw beverage, such as raw juice, has a first water content, and the filtered beverage, such as filtered juice, has a second water content, and the second water content is within ±10% of the first water content.

[0061] Aspect 5 is the method of any one of the above aspects where the solid content has a water content of 50% by weight or less, 40% by weight or less, 30% by weight or less, or 20% by weight or less.

[0062] Aspect 6 is the method of any one of the above aspects where the solid content has a solid content of 40% to 90% by weight or 50% by weight or more, 60% by weight or more, 70% by weight or more, or 80% by weight or more and up to 90% by weight.

[0063] Aspect 7 is the method of any one of the above aspects where the liquid portion contains dissolved solids of 8% to 20% by weight.

[0064] Aspect 8 is the method of any one of the above aspects where the liquid portion has a vitamin C concentration that is 75% or more of the vitamin C concentration of the raw beverage.

[0065] Aspect 9 is any one of the methods of the above aspects, wherein the cross-flow ultrafiltration device includes a membrane having a fractionation size of 10 kDa or more, 20 kDa or more, 40 kDa or more, 60 kDa or more, 80 kDa or more, or 100 kDa or more, and / or the fractionation molecular weight is 300 kDa or less, 250 kDa or less, 200 kDa or less, 150 kDa or less, 120 kDa or less, or 100 kDa or less. In some embodiments, the fractionation molecular weight ranges from 10 kDa to 300 kDa or from 100 kDa to 200 kDa.

[0066] Aspect 10 is any one of the methods of the above aspects, wherein the microfilter is arranged as a direct flow filter.

[0067] Aspect 11 is any one of the methods of the above aspects, wherein the microfilter has a fractionation size of 0.1 μm to 1.0 μm, 0.1 μm to 0.5 μm, or 0.2 μm to 0.3 μm.

[0068] Aspect 12 is any one of the methods of the above aspects, wherein the liquid fraction has a first microbial content, and the precision filtered liquid fraction has a second microbial content, and the second microbial content is at least 5 log reduced from the first microbial content.

[0069] Aspect 13 is any one of the methods of the above aspects, wherein at least 99%, at least 99.9%, at least 99.99%, at least 99.999%, or at least 99.9999% of the microorganisms in the liquid fraction are removed by precision filtration.

[0070] Aspect 14 is any one of the methods of the above aspects, wherein precision filtration sterilizes the liquid fraction.

[0071] Aspect 15 is any one of the methods of the above aspects, wherein the liquid fraction has a first microbial content, and the precision filtered liquid fraction has a second microbial content, and the second microbial content is at least 5 log reduced from the first microbial content.

[0072] Aspect 16 is any one of the methods of the aspects described above, in which a raw beverage, such as raw juice, has a raw beverage microbial content, and a filtered beverage, such as filtered juice, has a final microbial content, and the final microbial content is at least 5 log reduced from the microbial content of the raw beverage, such as raw juice.

[0073] Aspect 17 is any one of the methods of the aspects described above, which does not include a concentration step carried out by evaporation.

[0074] Aspect 18 is any one of the methods of the aspects described above, which does not include a step of concentrating the liquid component.

[0075] Aspect 19 is any one of the methods of the aspects described above, which does not include heat treatment of the liquid component.

[0076] Aspect 20 is any one of the methods of the aspects described above, which does not include radiation treatment of the liquid component.

[0077] Aspect 21 is any one of the methods of the aspects described above, in which blending is carried out immediately after microfiltration. According to a preferred aspect, there is no flow from the microfiltration device to the treatment device.

[0078] Aspect 22 is any one of the methods of the aspects described above, which further includes an integrity test including testing the integrity of the filter membrane of the microfilter.

[0079] Aspect 23 is the method of Aspect 22, in which the integrity test includes a pressure holding test or a forward flow diffusion flow rate test at a given test pressure.

[0080] Aspect 24 is a cross-flow ultrafiltration device including an ultrafiltration retentate side and an ultrafiltration permeate side, an ultrafiltration device configured in a cross-flow mode, a heater connected to and configured to receive a flow from the ultrafiltration retentate side and including a discharge line, and a microfilter connected to and configured to receive a flow from the ultrafiltration permeate side, the microfilter including a fine filtration upstream side and a fine filtration filtrate side and having a fractional particle size of 1 μm or less and being configured in a direct flow filtration mode, and a mixer connected to the heater discharge line and the fine filtration filtrate side and configured to receive a flow from them.

[0081] Aspect 25 is the filtration system of Aspect 24, wherein the cross-flow ultrafiltration device includes a membrane having a fractional size of 10 kDa or more, 20 kDa or more, 40 kDa or more, 60 kDa or more, 80 kDa or more, or 100 kDa or more, and / or the fractional molecular weight is 300 kDa or less, 250 kDa or less, 200 kDa or less, 150 kDa or less, 120 kDa or less, or 100 kDa or less. In some embodiments, the fractional molecular weight ranges from 10 kDa to 300 kDa or from 100 kDa to 200 kDa.

[0082] Aspect 26 is the filtration system of Aspect 24 or 25, wherein the microfilter has a fractional size of 1.2 μm or less, 1.1 μm or less, 1 μm or less, 0.9 μm or less, 0.8 μm or less, 0.7 μm or less, 0.6 μm or less, or 0.5 μm or less, and / or the microfilter has a fractional size of 0.1 μm or more, 0.2 μm or more, 0.3 μm or more, 0.4 μm or more, or 0.5 μm or more. In some embodiments, the fractional size ranges from 0.2 μm to 1.0 μm.

[0083] Aspect 27 is a second ultrafiltration device including a second ultrafiltration retentate side and a second ultrafiltration permeate side, the second ultrafiltration device configured in a crossflow mode, a reverse osmosis membrane filter connected to and configured to receive a flow from the second ultrafiltration permeate side, the reverse osmosis membrane filter including a reverse osmosis permeate side, and a second mixer connected to and configured to receive a flow from the first ultrafiltration retentate side and the reverse osmosis permeate side, the heater being configured to receive a flow from the second ultrafiltration retentate side, the filtration system being any one of Aspects 24 to 26. The reverse osmosis membrane filter further includes a retentate side connected to and configured to deliver a flow to a microfilter.

[0084] Aspect 28 is a beverage containing a precision-filtered liquid fraction made by any one of the methods of Aspects 1 to 23.

[0085] Aspect 29 is the beverage of Aspect 28 having a suspended solids content of less than 5% by weight or less than 2% by weight.

[0086] Aspect 30 is the beverage of Aspect 28 consisting essentially of a filtered liquid fraction.

[0087] Aspect 31 is a beverage containing a precision-filtered liquid fraction made by filtering a raw beverage, such as raw juice, using a crossflow ultrafiltration device to produce a solids fraction and a liquid fraction, and precision-filtering the liquid fraction using a direct flow microfilter having a fractionation size of 1.2 μm or less, 1.1 μm or less, 1.0 μm or less, 0.9 μm or less, 0.8 μm or less, 0.7 μm or less, 0.6 μm or less, or 0.5 μm or less and / or 0.1 μm or more, 0.2 μm or more, 0.3 μm or more, 0.4 μm or more, or 0.5 μm or more.

[0088] Aspect 32 is the beverage of Aspect 31 containing small molecules having a molecular weight of less than 1000 Da and not heat-treated or radiation-irradiated, and having a microbial load of less than 10 CFU / g. The small molecules may include sugars, aroma components, and vitamins.

[0089] Aspect 33 is a beverage produced by any one of the methods of Aspects 1 to 23 and comprising a pasteurized solid content and a microfiltered liquid content.

Example

[0090] For the filtration system according to the present disclosure, a test was conducted when processing raw orange juice. The raw juice was raw, unpasteurized squeezed orange juice, and initially had a Brix value of 11.1. The processing system included an ultrafiltration crossflow filter used to separate the solid content and the liquid content, a microfilter for filtering the liquid content, and a pasteurizer for pasteurizing the solid content. A pump was used to flow the juice into the system at 190 L / min. The system was configured as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0091] The ultrafiltration crossflow filter included a rectangular flat sheet polyethersulfone (PES) membrane with an adjustable spacer for forming a flow path. During operation, most of the flow was directed into the flow path and returned to the pump. The test was conducted on 48 kg of raw orange juice and separated into 34 kg of permeate and 14 kg of retentate. The liquid content that permeated through the membrane was collected at a rate of 0.4 L / min. The molecular weight cut-off of the ultrafiltration membrane was 150 kDa, which corresponds to a nominal pore size of 15 nm.

[0092] The microfilter was a direct flow filter (product number 1C230101 - 82 sold by Donaldson Company, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota), to which a PES-WN 10-inch, 0.2 μm filter was attached.

[0093] Reverse osmosis was performed using a crossflow filter equipped with an RO membrane having a molecular weight cut-off of 100 Da.

[0094] The initial sugar content (Brix value) of the holding solution was 12.8. The sugar contents of Line 31 ("low-sugar holding solution") and Line 21 (cleaning cycle permeate) were monitored after 1 cycle, 2 cycles, 3 cycles, and 4 cycles of cleaning with RO water. The sugar content was estimated using a Brix refractometer (ATAGO 3810 PAL-1 sold by Atago Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). The Brix values are shown in Table 1 below.

[0095]

Table 1

[0096] It was found that by performing cleaning with RO water, the sugar content (Brix value) of the holding solution could be reduced from 12.8 to 2.2. As a result, the amount of sugar undergoing pasteurization further decreases. Thereby, the off-odor in the final product can be further reduced.

[0097] The permeate from the ultrafiltration cross-flow filter (Line 42 in Figure 3B) was collected into a sterile clean plastic bag equipped with a sampling port. The permeate was pale orange and substantially transparent, and it was observed to have an orange aroma and taste, although somewhat subdued. The permeate was found to have a Brix value of 10.9.

[0098] The permeate was further filtered using a direct flow microfilter. The microbial content of the filtered permeate was analyzed. The results compared with the analysis of the original juice are shown in Table 2 below.

[0099]

Table 2

[0100] After storing the samples at a freezing temperature of 40°F for 1 month and 3 months, the microbial analysis was repeated. The results for 1 month are shown in Table 3A below, and the results for 3 months are shown in Table 3B.

[0101]

Table 3

[0102]

Table 4

[0103] The retentate from the ultrafiltration cross-flow filter formed a solid content. The solid content has a very bright color and a strong aroma, but was found to have a slight weak bitterness. The permeate was pasteurized in a pasteurization loop at a temperature of 90 degrees for 10 minutes. The pasteurized permeate was cooled to 60 °C and packed in bags. The pasteurized retentate retained its color and aroma.

[0104] The pasteurized retentate was mixed with the filtered permeate to produce the final product. The final filtered product was tested in a blinded taste test compared to the original raw juice. It was found that the effect of processing was negligible.

[0105] All references and publications cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety into this disclosure, provided they do not directly conflict with this disclosure. Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various alternative and / or equivalent implementations of the specific embodiments shown and described may be substituted without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is not to be unduly limited by the exemplary embodiments and examples shown herein, such examples and embodiments being presented by way of illustration only, and the scope of this disclosure is to be understood as being limited only by the claims set forth hereinafter.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a filtered beverage, comprising: filtering a raw beverage using a crossflow ultrafiltration device to produce a solid fraction and a liquid fraction; heating the solid fraction to a temperature of 60 °C or higher to produce a pasteurized solid fraction; microfiltrating the liquid fraction through a microfilter having a fractional size of 1 μm or less to produce a microfiltered liquid fraction; combining the pasteurized solid fraction and the microfiltered liquid fraction to provide the filtered beverage. A method comprising the above.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the raw beverage comprises raw juice.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the raw beverage has a water content of 80% to 95% by weight, and the filtered beverage has a water content of 80% to 95% by weight.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the raw beverage has a first water content, and the filtered beverage has a second water content, and the second water content is within ± 10% of the first water content.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid fraction has a vitamin C concentration that is 75% or more of the vitamin C concentration of the raw beverage.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the crossflow ultrafiltration device comprises a membrane having a fractional size of 10 kDa to 300 kDa.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the liquid fraction contains 8% to 20% by weight of dissolved solids.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the solid fraction contains 40% to 90% by weight of solids.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the liquid fraction has a first microbial content, and the microfiltered liquid fraction has a second microbial content, and the second microbial content is at least 5 log reduced from the first microbial content.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the raw beverage has a raw beverage microbial content, and the filtered beverage has a final microbial content, and the final microbial content is at least 5 log reduced from the raw beverage microbial content.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the microfilter is configured in a direct flow filtration mode.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which does not include concentrating a part of the raw beverage by evaporation.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which does not include the step of concentrating the liquid fraction.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the mixing is performed immediately after the microfiltration.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which does not include the heat treatment of the liquid fraction.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, which does not include the radiation treatment of the liquid fraction.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further including a integrity test including testing the integrity of the filter membrane of the microfilter.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the integrity test includes performing a pressure holding test or a forward flow diffusion flow rate test at a given test pressure.

19. Separating water from the liquid fraction using reverse osmosis, Mixing the water with the solid fraction to produce a diluted solid fraction, Filtering the diluted solid fraction using a crossflow ultrafiltration device to produce the solid fraction and a second liquid fraction, Mixing the liquid fraction and the second liquid fraction The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further including.

20. A first ultrafiltration device including a first ultrafiltration retentate side and a first ultrafiltration permeate side, the first ultrafiltration device configured in a crossflow mode, A heater configured to receive the flow from the first ultrafiltration retentate side and including a discharge line, A microfilter connected to the first ultrafiltration permeate side and configured to receive the flow therefrom, the microfilter including a microfiltration upstream side and a microfiltration filtrate side and having a fractional particle size of 1 μm or less, the microfilter configured in a direct flow filtration mode, A mixer connected to the heater discharge line and the microfiltration filtrate side and configured to receive the flow therefrom A filtration system including.

21. The filtration system according to claim 20, wherein the ultrafiltration device includes a membrane having a fractional size of 10 kDa to 300 kDa.

22. A second ultrafiltration device including a second ultrafiltration retentate side and a second ultrafiltration permeate side, the second ultrafiltration device configured in a crossflow mode, A reverse osmosis membrane filter connected to and configured to receive a flow from the second ultrafiltration permeate side, the reverse osmosis membrane filter including a reverse osmosis permeate side and a reverse osmosis retentate side, A second mixer connected to and configured to receive a flow from the first ultrafiltration retentate side and the reverse osmosis permeate side The filtration system according to claim 20, further comprising a heater configured to receive a flow from the second ultrafiltration retentate side and a microfilter configured to receive a flow from the reverse osmosis retentate side.

23. A beverage containing a filtered liquid fraction produced by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

24. The beverage according to claim 23, having a suspended solids content of less than 5% by weight or less than 2% by weight.

25. The beverage according to claim 23, comprising the pasteurized solids and the microfiltered liquid fraction.

26. A beverage consisting essentially of a filtered liquid fraction produced by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

27. A beverage containing a filtered liquid fraction produced by filtering a raw beverage, such as raw juice, using a cross-flow ultrafiltration device to produce a solids fraction and a liquid fraction, and microfiltering the liquid fraction using a direct flow microfilter having a fractional size of 1.2 μm or less, 1.1 μm or less, 1.0 μm or less, 0.9 μm or less, 0.8 μm or less, 0.7 μm or less, 0.6 μm or less or 0.5 μm or less and / or 0.1 μm or more, 0.2 μm or more, 0.3 μm or more, 0.4 μm or more or 0.5 μm or more to produce a microfiltered liquid fraction.

28. The beverage according to claim 27, which has not been heat-treated or radiation-treated, contains small molecules having a molecular weight of less than 1000 Da, and has a microbial load of less than 10 CFU / g.

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