Page 6 - Product News

Sterlitech is now offering the newest hollow fiber membrane module from Aquaporin: the HFF014. The HFFO14 module is ideal for researchers and product developers who have passed the proof-of-concept stage and area ready for scale-up.

This model boasts an active membrane surface area in this membrane module is 13.8 m². Compared to the other Aquaporin HF modules we carry, the production rate in the HFFO14 module is about 6 times larger than the HFFO2 (2.3 m² active membrane area) and 23 times larger than the HFFO06 (0.6 m² membrane active area).  

Both hollow fiber dimensions and membrane wall thickness in the HFFO14 are identical to those in HFFO06 and HFFO2 modules (Table 1). This means that once feasibility is established using the HFFO2 and HFFO06, researchers can easily reproduce their results at larger volumes. The HFFO14 eliminates the need to reevaluate established process parameters such as feed and draw solution cross flow velocities in the lumen and outside the fibers.

For particle and gravimetric analyses such as sediment testing of coolants and machine oils, nylon membrane filters are often utilized due to superior strength, chemical compatibility, and lot-to-lot consistency. Filters with 10 and 20 µm pore size ratings offer fast flow combined with consistent retention and are recommended in GMW16037: Test Method to Quantify Cleanliness of Engine and Transmission Components.1 Unfortunately, these filters have recently become more difficult to source, as some manufacturers have discontinued 10 and 20 µm rated nylon membranes. To address the market need for 10 and 20 µm rated nylon membrane filters, Sterlitech is introducing our new Nylon Cleanliness Test Filters.

These filters are specifically designed for cleanliness testing in the automotive and aerospace industries. They have virtually the same water bubble point specifications, and consequently very similar retention, as the discontinued 10 µm and 20µm rated nylon membrane filters. They also

In a joint effort to address our customers’ growing need for a Forward Osmosis (FO) membrane module that has a larger membrane active area compared to our flat sheet FO modules, but has a smaller membrane active area than the Aquaporin Inside HFFO2 module, Sterlitech is now pleased to announce the launch of Aquaporin Inside HFFO06 hollow fiber FO membrane module.

Aquaporin Inside HFFO06 hollow fiber FO membrane module has a 0.6 m² membrane active area and can be operated with lower volumes of feed and draw solutions compared to the Aquaporin Inside HFFO2 hollow fiber FO membrane module with a 2.3 m² membrane active area, making this a perfect fit for lab scale testing and small-scale production.

Membrane active layer in these HF membranes is composed of a thin film composite with integrated aquaporin proteins. Use of HF membranes allows higher packing density (i.e. higher membrane active area) in the module.

Applications of Aquaporin Inside HFFO06 hollow fiber FO membrane module:

• Forward

Sterlitech Kato-Katz Test Kits are designed for diagnostic use in the field. Our kit was developed in response to difficulty among research groups, control programs, and health organizations to readily source the materials needed for this testing. Field scientists utilize Kato-Katz tests to identify the presence of parasitic Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) eggs in fecal samples from infected patients. It can be used to diagnose individual infection and monitor disease prevalence across communities for epidemiological studies. Compared to other diagnostic methods, the Kato-Katz technique offers the benefit of sample preservation, enabling field samples to be stored for later study.¹ It complements the Sterlitech Schistosome Test Kit, which detects parasitic Schistosome worm eggs in urine.

STH worm infections affect a substantial portion of the world’s population living in warm and moist climates with limited access to clean water and sanitation services. When eggs are ingested, or hookworm

Sterlitech Glass Filter Holders are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate most filtration applications, ranging from milliliters to liters of solution. Glass filter holders are reusable, easy to clean and sterilize, and enable precise filtration. They are recommended for use with polymeric Membrane Disc Filters to perform particulate collection and fluid filtration. Applying vacuum reduces process time compared to gravity flow.

Compared to other vacuum filter holders suited for coarse filtration (i.e. Buchner funnels), Glass Filter Holders form a tight seal with the membrane to ensure all fluid passes through its pores.

A typical holder apparatus consists of:

• glass base
• membrane support (glass frit, stainless steel, or PTFE)
• glass funnel
• rubber adaptor
• aluminum clamp

Glass frit supports are ideal for filtering acidic solutions, while stainless steel support screens offer the faster flow rate with viscous solutions. PTFE-coated supports provide the best of both worlds. Many