Martin Egebjerg Olesen
University
University of Copenhagen (KU)
Company
Novonesis A/S
Project title
Use of Enzymes to improve environmental impact of Cleaning in Place
Project description
Cleaning in Place (CIP) challenges food, pharma and enzyme manufacturers. CIP requires 20% of
the total energy in manufacturing and is responsible for approximately 30% of the effluent water
and between 15 to 30% of production downtime. One of the biggest challenges in CIP is filter
membranes part of a filtration unit, called a UF or UF/DF (ultrafiltration/ultrafiltration/diafiltration.
Cleaning of the membranes is typically done by a combination of base, acid, water, temperature
and flow. Solving this problem will provide fundamental insight into fouling and cleaning
phenomena as well as explore and demonstrate the potential benefits of extending the use of
enzymes.
What was your motivation for becoming a Helix Lab Fellow?
My motivation for being a part of the Helix Lab Fellow program was that it was (and still is) very appealing. You get to be a part of a likeminded crew of people who all are in the same situation as yourself and apart from that you get to use all the nice state of the art facilities at the Helix Lab. I mean, how cool is that? You also get very close to the industry which makes it a lot easier to do a project with any of them out here in Kalundborg.
What is the most exciting part of being a Helix Lab Fellow?
The fellow shipment in the collegium, the experience of a new city and all the possibilities that come with it. In addition to that it’s just nice to get to know a lot of new and exciting people from all over the World besides from the ones you meet at the different sites. It is good way meeting new people and create and expand your network.
What perspectives do you see for your future after being a Helix Lab Fellow?
I see a lot of opportunities for my future from being a Helix Lab Fellow. You get a nice network and also a foot inside the industry. Who knows? Maybe I’ll move to Kalundborg in the nearest future as well?