Ultrafiltration (UF) is a membrane filtration technology that is commonly used, for example, in surface water treatment for drinking water production and as a pre-treatment for reverse osmosis. The typical filtration spectrum with UF is between 0.01-0.15 µm, depending on the applied use case and applied membrane type.
In recent decades, polymeric membranes have been the dominant technology in most UF applications. However, ceramic membranes have been gaining in popularity recently thanks to their superior performance and lower operational costs.
StrongFlow is a certified partner of Cembrane and supplier of UF systems based on silicon carbide (SIC) flat sheet membranes. We provide complete systems whether to replace existing or planned sand filtration, or for traditional UF. SIC is also widely used for the treatment of sand filter backwash water for water re-use.
Cembrane’s UF system works on the suction principle, meaning membranes are submerged within a tank or pool and treated water is pulled through/inside the flat sheets using slight vacuum filtration, thus leaving particles and impurities on the membrane surface. The membranes are cleaned in a backwash process by pumping treated water in the opposite direction, which removes the impurities. The backwash process is enhanced with air scouring and chemical flushing based on the case-specific requirements.
A silicon carbide-based UF system provides significant benefits compared to traditional polymer and aluminum oxide UF membranes. High flux rates, low organic absorption and a chemically inert membrane material enable savings in backwash water and energy consumption. Compared to sand filtration, the SIC membrane system provides improved water quality, savings in backwash water consumption and space savings.
As silicon carbide is naturally very hydrophilic, the membranes are less prone to fouling compared to polymer membranes.
Higher investment cost (compared to polymer membranes) has been one of the drawbacks of silicon carbide membranes, but recent developments in production techniques have leveled the situation.
Cembrane’s SIC membranes are designed as a modular construction that enables an efficient installation process and a standardized solution for various sizes of systems.
