Tubular Membranes Provide a Constant Flow of Solid Solutions
Since the introduction of membrane treatment technology back in the 1970’s, a variety of membrane types and configurations have been developed, including tubular membrane. Tubular membranes operate in tangential, or crossflow, design where process fluid is pumped along the membrane surface in a sweeping type action. The membrane is cast on the inside surface of a porous tube. The feed solution is pumped through the center of the tube at velocities as high as 20 ft/sec. These crossflow velocities minimize the formation of a concentration polarization layer on the membrane surface, promoting high and stable flux and easy cleaning, especially when the objective is to achieve high suspended solids in the MF, UF or NF concentrate. Permeate is driven through the membrane to be directed out of the system or back into the process depending on the application.
There are many advantages in tubular membrane configurations. Besides of their rugged construction, they have the distinct advantage of being able to process high suspended solids, and concentrate product successfully and repeatedly to relatively high end point concentration levels without plugging. A common objective of an end-of-pipe waste treatment ultrafiltration system is to reduce waste volume as much as possible to reduce concentrate hauling costs.
Tubular membranes are based on either PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) or PS (polysulfone). They are capable of continuous, reproducible processing cycles, which means they are cleanable, durable, easy to operate and a proven advance in technology.
Tubular Membranes are ideally suited to:
- Metalworking Oily Waste
- Wastewater Minimization and Recovery from Industrial Processes
- Juice Clarification
- Degreaser Recovery
- Pulp & Paper Water Treatment and Recovery
- Paint, Pigment, Dye Recovery and Purification
- Dialysis Procedures
- Mining Operations Wastewater Treatment
- Food Processing
- Cosmetics Manufacturing Wastewater Treatment
- Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing
- Recovery of CIP Solutions plus many other demanding applications requiring large open flow areas with substantially high plugging resistance.
KMS offers a wide selection of tubular membrane products to serve a variety of industrial and municipal applications. KMS tubular membrane products are offered in:
- ½'' diameter and 1'' diameter tubular products
- Standard commercial module lengths of 5'', 10'' and 12''
- Microfiltration, ultrafiltration and Nanofiltration separation ranges
- Mechanically cleanable 1'' configurations
- Membrane modules with either industrial or sanitary connections
- Highly engineered, chemically or pH stable, tubular nanofiltration modules
- Various materials of construction including PVDF and PS
The KMS Family Of Tubular Membranes Includes:
- FEG™ 1'' diameter tubular ultrafiltration membranes
- SUPER-G® 1'' diameter multiple tube membranes (Ultrafiltration)
- ULTRA-COR® 1/2'' diameter multiple tube membranes (Ultrafiltration)
- SUPER-COR® 1/2'' diameter multiple tube membranes (Microfiltration or Ultrafiltration)
- SelRO® high performance nanofiltration membranes
Benefits of KMS Tubular Membranes at a Glance:
- Handle high solids concentrations
- Handle fibers in the feed
- Less stringent pretreatment/prescreening requirements
- FEG™ tubes can be mechanically cleaned with spongeballs
- Widest range of construction materials
- Broadest range of pH capability
KMS can help you evaluate your specific application requirements and determine what tubular membrane configuration is the best choice for your fluid separation needs. KMS can also help existing membrane users to enhance the performance and extend the life of their membranes by improving system operating, cleaning and maintenance procedures.
