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Developer

The Sepa FO Cell is a laboratory-scale filtration unit that is designed to evaluate a variety of Osmotically Driven Membrane Processes (ODMP), including Forward Osmosis (FO) and Pressure Retarded Osmosis (PRO). Available in stainless steel or acrylic, for applications requiring visual investigation of hydrodynamic conditions or local fouling intensity. All cells are compatible with our kits, benchtop systems, and skid systems.

Interested in learning how to operate our membrane process equipment?  Check out our MPD channel to watch videos now!

Sepa FO Cell Features and Benefits:

  • Accepts polymeric flat sheet membrane coupons
  • Mimics both laminar or turbulent flow conditions
  • Provides fast and accurate performance data
  • Offers judicious membrane use with small membrane active area
SKUProduct Name Est Ship Price
Sepa, Forward Osmosis (FO) Style System, 316 SS 1230061 Sepa, Forward Osmosis (FO) Style System, 316 SS 1-2 days
$8,952.21
Sepa Cell, Forward Osmosis & DCMD, Acrylic 1160007 Sepa Cell, Forward Osmosis & DCMD, Acrylic 1-2 days
$3,233.62
per page
Set Descending Direction

Accessory

SKUProduct Name Price
Sepa Cell, Forward Osmosis, 316 SS 1230055 Sepa Cell, Forward Osmosis, 316 SS
$3,732.80
Sepa Support, UHMW 1200051 Sepa Support, UHMW
$407.67
Sepa Top Plate, Forward Osmosis, 316 SS 1230062 Sepa Top Plate, Forward Osmosis, 316 SS
$1,872.94
316SS Membrane Support Plate for PRO/Modified Osmosis, for Sepa FO Cell; Deburred and polished 1230036 316SS Membrane Support Plate for PRO/Modified Osmosis, for Sepa FO Cell; Deburred and polished
$235.94

Applications

Forward Osmosis technology is most commonly used for an array of wastewater recycling and water reclamation applications. Areas in which an FO cell may be used include:

  • Water reclamation from oil and gas exploration
  • Landfill wastewater
  • Alternative energy/biogas wastewater
  • Medical/dental wastewater
  • Membrane bioreactors
  • Seawater desalination
  • Radioactive wastewater
  • Carpet manufacturing wastewater
  • Pressure Retarded Osmosis (PRO) to generate electricity


Other uses for Forward Osmosis Cells:

  • Pretreatment for Reverse Osmosis procedure
  • Concentrating juices (grape juice to wine, tomato paste)
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Nutraceuticals

Specifications

Specifications by Material:

Product Family Innovator Explorer Developer

 

CF042D-FO

CF016D

CF042A-FO

CF016SS

CF042A-FO

CF016P

CF042A-FO

CF016A

CF042D-FO

CF042D

CF042SS-FO

CF042SS

CF042P-FO

CF042P

CF042A-FO

CF042A

Sepa CF-FO

CF042H

Sepa CF-FO

Sepa CF

Sepa CF-FO

AC Sepa

Sepa CF-FO

HAS Sepa CF

Material

Acetal (Delrin)   

316 Stainless Steel

Virgin PTFE

Acrylic

Acetal (Delrin)

316 Stainless Steel

Virgin PTFE

Acrylic

Hastelloy™

316 Stainless Steel

Acrylic

Hastelloy™

Maximum Bolts Torque Setting (in-lbs)

60

NA

15

45

60

NA

15

45

70

NA

45

70

Maximum Fittings Torque Setting (in-lbs) 

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

Max Pressure

69 bar
(1000 psig)

69 bar
(1000 psig)

27.6 bar
(400 psig)

27.6 bar
(400 psig)

69 bar
(1000 psig)

69 bar
(1000 psig)

27.6 bar
(400 psig)

27.6 bar
(400 psig)

69 bar
(1000 psig)

69 bar
(1000 psig)

15.2 bar
(220 psig)

69 bar
(1000 psig)

Max Temperature

82°C
(180°F)

150°C
(302°F)

260°C
(500°F)

88°C
(190°F)

82°C
(180°F)

150°C
(302°F)

260°C
(500°F)

88°C
(190°F)

150°C
(302°F)

150°C
(302°F)

88°C
(190°F)

150°C
(302°F)


General FO Cell Specifications:

  CF016-FO CF042-FO Sepa FO
 Active Membrane Area 20.6 cm2 (3.2 in2) 42 cm2 (6.5 in2) 140 cm2 (22 in2)
 Hold-Up Vol. 13 mL (0.44 oz) 17 mL (0.57 oz) 70 mL (2.4 oz)

 Connections
Feed:1/4 in FNPT (base of cell) 
Draw Solute:1/4 in FNPT (top of cell)
Feed:1/4 in FNPT (base of cell) 
Draw Solute:1/4 in FNPT (top of cell)
Feed:1/4 in FNPT (base of cell) 
Draw Solute:1/4 in FNPT (top of cell)
 Outer Dimensions 12.7 x 10 x 8.3 cm (5 x 4 x 3.25 in) 12.7 x 10 x 8.3 cm (5 x 4 x 3.25 in) 16.51 x 21.3 x 5 cm (6.5 x 8.38 x 2.07 in)
 Active Area Dimensions 4.52 x 4.52 cm (1.78 x 1.78 in) 9.207 x 4.572 cm (3.625 x 1.8 in) 9.7 x 14.7 cm (3.81 x 5.78 in)
 Slot Depth 0.23 cm (0.09 in) 0.23 cm (0.09 in) 0.19 cm (0.075 in)

Documentation

Below is a animated diagram demonstrating how the Sepa FO cell works: Forward Osmosis Bench-top Filtration System
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Flow characteristics for a spiral element and flat sheet membrane are significantly different and are really only comparable on a qualitative basis. Variability in the membrane manufacturing process, differences in water composition, test procedures, and test equipment, used in a factory, laboratory, or elsewhere, will impact water flux results.

Q. How do i store used forward osmosis (FO) flat sheet membranes?

Post use, the membrane should be rinsed with water after testing and stored in clean water if the storage duration will be less than 24 hours.  If the membrane is rinsed with water and expected to be stored for longer than 48 hours, it is recommend to use a 1% sodium metabisulfite (SMB, chemical formula Na2S2O5) to prevent bacterial growth from occurring. Periodically inspect the membranes for biological growth. If the preservative solution is cloudy you need to replace it.  Renew the preservative solution every month. 

Sterlitech recommends to install all plastic fittings by hand using PTFE tape. If a plastic NPT or compression fitting starts to leak during operational testing, tighten the fitting carefully until the leaking stops. Excessive tightening may break the fitting or damage other components.

If the fittings is broken and stuck in the cell top, use a spiral flute extractor bit or similar tool to release the portion of the fitting in the cell top. If the cell top becomes cracked from removal efforts, a replacement can be purchased.