Membrane filtration technologies for efficient wine processing and recovery of valuable extracts

Background

For many years, ultrafiltration has been used extensively in water, dairy and medical applications. Despite trials for winemaking applications, it is yet to see serious uptake by the wine industry, because early research deemed it unsuitable. Nevertheless, given the advances in technology and strong support from VA Filtration, there is great merit in developing the technology and applications further, to benefit winemaking.

Objectives/aims

These projects will develop membrane filtration technologies to enable the replacement of current inputs that create waste (e.g. bentonite fining of proteins) and optimise wine macromolecular content while also gaining useful ‘waste’ streams, e.g. a concentrated phenolic/pigment/antioxidant fraction, which can be utilised to fine-tune wine sensory profiles or used as an adjunct in other wines.

We are seeking another PhD candidate with a high level Honours or Masters qualification, or equivalent, ideally in winery and/or chemical engineering. The project will be based at the Waite campus of The University of Adelaide, with time to be spent working alongside staff from industry partner, VA Filtration.  The candidate will develop skills/techniques in experimental design, wine chemistry, sensory science, engineering and statistical analysis.

For further information on the Centre PhD’s, including eligibility, visit the Join Us page.  If you are interested in this project, email project lead Associate Professor Kerry Wilkinson to express your interest, including a copy of your CV and academic transcript.

Industry partners