Now Available: 1812 Modules for OSN

Organic Solvent Nanofiltration, the separation of molecules dissolved in organic solvents through a semipermeable membrane, has gained great traction over the last decade as an alternative to conventional separation processes. OSN offers the advantage of lower energy requirements, conservation of expensive materials, and enhanced system robustness when used in replacement or in conjunction with traditional systems.¹ Promising applications include solvent recovery, exchange, and purification across chemical industries – from petrochemicals to pharmaceuticals.  

According to Evonik Corporation’s recent presentation, DuraMem® OSN membranes can simplify the cannabis extraction process by combining Winterization, Filtration, Evaporation, and Color Removal to a single nanofiltration step (Figure 1).² Furthermore, they can aid in the next step by removing color (e.g. chlorophyll) and impurities while preserving yields of desired end products (up to 90% concentration of THC and CBD).² 

Figure 1. Conventional cannabis extraction process compared to a simplified scheme using OSN.  

Popular Applications for DuraMem® and PuraMem® Membranes³ 

DuraMem® membranes offer long-term stability in most polar and polar aprotic solvents (acetone, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, isopropanol, acetonitrile, methylethylketone, ethyl acetate, and more), while the PuraMem® series is stable in apolar hydrocarbon-type solvents (toluene, heptane, hexane, methylethylketone, methyl-isobutylketone, ethyl acetate, and more). We offer both in flat sheet format, and now as male spiral wound elements (1.8” diameter and 12” length). For more information about these membranes and their applications, contact one of Sterlitech’s Membrane Process Specialists.