Forward Osmosis Cells
Sterlitech's Forward Osmosis membrane test cells are ideal for osmotically driven applications such as Forward Osmosis (FO), Pressure Retarded Osmosis (PRO), or Pressure Assisted Forward Osmosis (PFO). Feed and draw solutions are circulated tangentially to the membrane filter, while passage of molecules through the membrane from the feed side to the draw side is driven by the osmotic pressure difference created between the feed and draw solution.
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| Material | Features | Applications | Pore Size (μm) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mimics both laminar or turbulent flow conditions, provides fast and accurate performance data | Oil and gas industry, leachate treatment, brine concentration, desalination of brackish water or seawater, concentration of fruit juices and extracts, municipal or industrial water and wastewater purification | N/A | |
 | Accepts polymeric flat sheet membrane coupons, mimics both laminar or turbulent flow conditions, offers judicious membrane use with small membrane active area | Oil and gas industry, leachate treatment, brine concentration, desalination of brackish water or seawater, concentration of fruit juices and extracts, municipal or industrial water and wastewater purification, membrane performance characterization/development | N/A | |
 | Simulates the flow dynamics of larger, commercially available membrane elements such as industrial spiral wound membrane elements. | Oil and gas industry, leachate treatment, brine concentration, desalination of brackish water or seawater, concentration of fruit juices and extracts, municipal or industrial water and wastewater purification | N/A | |
 | Carboy tank assemblies and pump kits available to operate our FO systems. | Oil and gas industry, leachate treatment, brine concentration, desalination of brackish water or seawater, concentration of fruit juices and extracts, municipal or industrial water and wastewater purification | N/A |
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.
Q: How do I install/remove permeate fittings or other plastic NPT fittings?
Sterlitech recommends to install all plastic fittings by hand using PTFE tape. If a plastic NPT or compression fitting starts to leak during operational testing, tighten the fitting carefully until the leaking stops. Excessive tightening may break the fitting or damage other components.
If the fittings is broken and stuck in the cell top, use a spiral flute extractor bit or similar tool to release the portion of the fitting in the cell top. If the cell top becomes cracked from removal efforts, a replacement can be purchased.
