This new generation of ‘honeycomb’ inorganic membrane modules for microfiltration and ultrafiltration has a variety of abrasion-resistant ceramic membranes applied to silicon carbide monolith supports.  Product features include:

• Compactness

• Low cost

• High temperature capability

• Chemical inertness

Many industrial plants totaling tens of thousands of square feet of membrane have been sold in countries around the world using this patented technology in first generation HPD's CeraMem® membrane products.  This second generation membrane module incorporates new chemically inert membranes and support monoliths (silicon carbide) and features superior chemical and mechanical durability.  The membrane elements are extremely compact with > 230 ft² membrane area/ft³ (> 760 m² membrane area/m³).

Production Scale Membrane Module Specifications

Membrane Elements:

Membrane elements are 34 inches (864 mm) long and 5.6 inch (142 mm) in diameter.  Membrane area is approximately 115 ft² (10.7 m²). 

Membrane pore sizes and chemistries available: 

Ongoing research at HPD is expected to result in the expansion of the product line to include nanofiltration and pervaporation membranes, all with inorganic membranes.

Operating Conditions:

 

Operating Parameter	Range
Maximum Temperature	130°C, dependent upon seals
Maximum Trans-Membrane Pressure	150 psi (10 bar)
pH Range (PM-0200/0010-A & PM-0010-T) pH Range (PM-0005-S)	2 - 12 2 - 9 1
Recommended Cross Flow Velocity	9 - 12 ft/sec (3-4 m/sec)
Volumetric Flow-Rate for 12 ft/sec	300 gpm (70 m3/hr) 2
Pressure Drop at 12 ft/sec	15 psi (1.2 Bar), H2O @25°C.

¹ Highly hydrophilic, non-fouling membrane for non-alkaline service
² At 12 ft/sec crossflow velocity, corresponds to 0.023 theo. hp/ft² (at 3.7 m/sec, 0.18 theo. kW/m²)

Applications:

These membranes may be used for many applications in the food, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical, metal working and finishing as well as many other industries.  However, HPD has not yet applied for FDA, 3A or other Governmental approvals.  However, based on approvals granted for its first generation product, HPD expects approval would be granted.  Representative applications include:

Foodstuffs:	Sugars, starches, milk, whey, yeasts, juices
Chemicals:	Solvents, latex dispersions, paints
Oils:	Oily-water emulsions, edible oils, waste oil treatment
Water:	Tertiary effluent disinfection, potable water, membrane bioreactors