Electric Field-Assisted Cross Flow Cells are bench-scale Crossflow TFF membrane test cells used in membrane separation processes.
Applying an electric field to membranes enhances membrane performance by increasing electrostatic repulsion between membranes and foulants. This is possible because most membrane foulants including sludge flocs, soluble microbial products (SMP) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are generally negatively charged.
Sterlitech cross flow cells mimic hydrodynamic conditions present in real size systems. In real size systems, electric field can be applied in tubular, flat sheet or spiral wound modules.
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| SKU | Product Name | Material Type | Est Ship | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1160017 | CF016A Electrode Modified Crossflow Assembly, Acrylic | Acrylic | 3-4 weeks |
$6,631.65
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the flat sheet membrane I'm using measuring a flux value less than the published flux value?
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.
Reference: Understanding Variation of Experimental Flux and Rejection
Q: What is the recommended flow rate for the CF cells?
lease refer to the following diagram to examine recommended feed flow rates for the crossflow cell you are working with.
Q: What are the available materials of construction for the Sterlitech crossflow test cells?
The Sterlitech bench-scale crossflow test cells are available in a variety of materials to suit most applications:
- Stainless Steel
- PTFE
- HastelloyTM
- Delrin (natural acetal copolymer)
- Acrylic
Addtionally, there are a variety of available o-ring seals including Buna-N, EPDM, Viton, FEP encapsulated Viton, and FFKM (Markez).
Q: What are the differences between the crossflow test cells and the Sterlitech HP4750 stirred cell?
Sterlitech crossflow test cells (Sepa® CF, CF042, and CF016) operate in true crossflow filtration mode, meaning the feed flows tangentially across the membrane and produces both a permeate stream and a concentrate (retentate) stream. These systems allow continuous operation, with user-controlled pressure and crossflow rate, and enable ongoing sampling from both streams during testing.
The HP4750 Stirred Cell, by comparison, is a sealed batch filtration device (up to 300 mL feed volume) typically pressurized with compressed gas. It runs in normal-flow (dead-end) mode and does not have a concentrate stream. A stir bar helps reduce concentration polarization and simulates crossflow-like mixing at the membrane surface, but it is not true crossflow.
