Monthly Archives: November 2018

Join Sterlitech's membrane and process development scientists for a live webinar presentation on our membrane test skids.
We will be discussing how our customizable test skids can enable you to explore new filtration applications in the lab. This webinar will provide an overview of the features and applications of the product line, with a special focus on our multi-functional Convertible Test Skid. We will also have plenty of time for Q&A after the presentation and look forward to answering any questions.

Click here to sign up and learn more about our speakers!

We have observed a growing need in the research community for a high pressure stirred cell to test 25 mm membrane discs. The Membrane Area Reducer was developed in collaboration with Christopher M. Stafford, PhD. and Chris Amigo , Machinist, at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to add more versatility to our standard HP4750 high pressure stirred cell. Researchers are now able to test 25 or 47 mm discs in the cell with relative ease.

A smaller membrane disc diameter is ideal in the following research applications:

Fabrication of new membranes

Researchers may prefer to test the membranes in a cell with small membrane active area initially. Casting large areas of homogenous membranes at lab-scale production is challenging, whereas testing smaller disks ensure membrane homogeneity across the active area.

Membrane surface modifications

Researchers who modify the membrane surface using plasma, UV radiation, vapor deposition, or one of the many other techniques with lab-size

When selecting the right membrane for a microfiltration application, one of the most important factors to consider is membrane wettability. While hydrophobic membrane filters are ideal for air and gas filtration, they are not suitable for filtering aqueous solutions. Hydrophilic membrane filters, on the other hand, are commonly used for clarification and sterilization of water-based fluids but are not typically used for venting applications.

To conceptualize the forces contributing to membrane wettability, you can start by thinking of a water drop on a material’s surface.

(Yuan & Lee, 2013)

When the electrostatic attraction between the water molecules and the material is greater than the attraction between the water molecules themselves, the water drop will spread out. Here, the instantaneous angle between the edge of the drop and the surface, the water contact angle, will be <90°. Such materials are called hydrophilic, literally meaning “water loving”. The more hydrophilic

Sterlitech has recently discontinued sale of the MS7-Pro Analog Magnetic Stirrer from Scilogex. For fans of the MS7 model, we recommend the MS7-H550-Pro Hotplate Stirrer. 

If you're looking for a comparable stirrer (and don't need the heating function), we still have a selection to choose from in the Magnetic Stirrers & Hotplates section of our website. We are happy to assist with finding the right stir plate for your lab - please contact us with any questions!