Introducing the Aquaporin Inside HFFO14 Hollow Fiber FO Membrane Module

 

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.

 

 

HFFO06

HFFO2

HFFO14

Aquaporin InsideTM coating:

On lumen side of fiber

On lumen side of fiber

On lumen side of fiber

Active area (lumen side/shell side):    

0.6 m2

2.3 m2

13.8 m2

Inner diameter of fibers:

200 μm

195 μm

195 μm

Wall thickness:

35 μm

35 μm

35 μm

Housing Material:

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate

Module dimensions:

150 mm long; 50 mm in diameter

300 mm long; 70 mm in diameter

390 mm long, 200 mm in diameter

Module connections:

Lumen: 1⁄4” (6.4mm) threaded female Luer

Lumen: 1⁄4” (6.4mm) threaded female Luer

Module comes with the fittings for 3/8” OD tubing

 

Table 1. Product comparison between three Aquaporin HF membrane modules.

 

In general, forward osmosis (FO) membrane processes are performed at low or no pressure, avoiding the need for the extensive pre-treatment required for pressure-driven membrane processes. This is especially advantageous in processes where the feed stream contains high levels of suspended solids (e.g. fruit juice or dairy product concentrates).

 

Other applications of FO filtration can include:

  • Algae concentration and dewatering
  • Hard to treat water
  • High salinity water treatment
  • Leachate and wastewater treatment

 

To assemble a filtration system configured with the Aquaporin Inside HFFO14 hollow fiber FO membrane module, two low pressure pumps are required to continuously run the feed and draw solutions in the lumen and outside the hollow fibers, respectively (Figure 1). System controls such as flow meters, pressure control valves and pressure gauges are also essential components of the system. Conductivity sensors are useful adds on to the system to monitor the Feed and Draw solutions concentrations.

 

 

 

Schematic description of a single pass testing method for HFFO14 module (Aquaporin A/S)

 

Figure 1. Schematic description of a single pass testing method for HFFO14 module (Aquaporin A/S)


This module can also be combined with RO/NF membrane spiral wound modules in a hybrid process. If you are interested in learning more about this module or setting up a full system, please contact one of our membrane process specialists.