Westfalia Separator Membraflow Complements its Product Portfolio
20 July 2006 09:40
Westfalia Separator Membraflow Complements its Product Portfolio
Ceramic membrane filters for problem solving from a single source
With the take-over of Membraflow and its integration into the corporate structure as Westfalia Separator Membraflow, Westfalia Separator has succeeded in meeting the requirements of 'Absolute Separation' to an even greater extent. Thanks to membrane filtration with ceramic elements, Westfalia Separator can provide complete systems from a single source for a wide range of applications requiring parallel application of separators, decanters and membrane filtration. This represents optimum expansion of the product portfolio for Westfalia Separator.
Mechanical barrier delivers permanent clarification efficiency and capacity to the required specification
Ceramic membranes are unique and have properties that make them valuable in numerous processes in the food and beverage industry, the dairy industry, the pharmaceutical and chemical industry and biotechnology. They are also valuable in water and waste water treatment and in special applications like extending the life of degreasing baths. A ceramic membrane installation continually delivers a clear filtrate with the clarification efficiency and capacity for which it has been rated. This is because the membrane forms a mechanical barrier: just as there is no way a camel can fit through the eye of a needle, particles larger than the pore size used have no chance of passing though the ceramic membrane. For example, this allows the reliable separation of viruses in the range of 50 nanometres. The smallest pore size currently manufactured is around 1 nanometre. The ceramic membrane is therefore an ideal supplement to separator and decanter technology.
Virtually endless lifetime
The huge advantage over a polymer membrane is the infinite life span of a ceramic membrane. If you don't drop your ceramic coffee cup at home, it will last forever. Membraflow was founded in 1988. Ceramic production was set up in Essingen and launched at the beginning of 1999. The first installations put on the market in 1988 still deliver the same level of performance after 18 years. Over 1000 installations from Membraflow are currently in operation.
Maximum temperature resistance
The ceramic membrane is substantially more temperature-resistant than other membranes.The ceramic itself has no trouble withstanding temperatures far above 300 °C, even under pressure. The limiting factor is no longer the membrane, as is the case with polymer membranes that have resistance to no more than 100 °C. The limiting factors are now peripheral items such as gaskets, housings, etc. Ceramic is also easier to clean owing to its resistance against temperature and chemicals, with higher cleaning temperatures reducing cleaning time and improving the effect.
Footballs - joined together
The configuration of a ceramic membrane results from joining particles together - normally from aluminium oxide. Figuratively speaking, whether these particles are as large as medicine balls, footballs or golf balls, or just the size of pin heads; this determines the size of the gaps, i.e. the pores. For example, particles of size 2.5 nanometres are required for a 1-nanometre membrane, which corresponds merely to a few atom layers and for this purpose titanium oxide must be used.
Westfalia Separator Membraflow has been able to build up vast experience in recent years with this material, particularly as part of an EU research project. Ceramic membranes from Westfalia Separator Membraflow are completely chemically resistant, with the exception of hydrofluoric acid. The ceramic quality corresponds to the standard used for artificial hip joints, for example.
From 1 to 1400 nanometres -a very broad spectrum
Whereas many other competitors are restricted, Westfalia Separator can offer a very broad spectrum of membranes ranging from 1 to 1400 nanometres pore size. Westfalia Separator Membraflow uses round channels that provide optimal flow characteristic.
Configuration of a module housing
The smallest unit for incorporating the membrane is housing. The membrane cannot be technically used before it has been fitted into such housing. A module consists of at least one membrane plus corresponding seals and connections. The main tasks of a module are
Þ Absorbing the working pressures
Þ Ensuring the flow of raw solution, permeate and retentate
Þ Enabling a controllable flow over the membrane
When constructing a membrane, a compromise must be struck between high specific membrane surface (high packing density) and low pressure loss. Consequently, the selection of the geometry always depends on the application. Viscosity and solids content in the raw solution, amongst other parameters, therefore determine channel diameters on the retentate side. Ceramic multi-channel elements are available ranged between 2 and 8 mm. As well as the module geometry, the materials for the seals and module housings must be selected to suit the specific application. Depending on application specifications, seals of FPM or EPDM are used.
Diverse applications
The special properties of ceramic membrane filters offer economical advantages in many branches of industry compared to existing filtration systems, for example in the:
Food industry:
Þ Production and processing of dairy products
Þ Clarification and sterilisation of fruit juices, wine and beer
Þ Water treatment
For more information on this company:
Westfalia Separator Food Tec - Separators, Clarifiers, Decanters and Complete Processing Lines for the Food Industry
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