Advantages and Applications of Forward Osmosis

This month’s Processing column will explore the use of forward osmosis to dewater and concentrate. Forward osmosis is performed with specially designed membranes and requires very little energy. Where thermal evaporation and reverse osmosis may damage or alter products, forward osmosis preserves the sensory profile and bioactivity of the liquids it dewaters. Forward osmosis makes possible a whole new range of products that cannot be made with existing processes. The basic principles of thi…