Membrane Distillation (MD)
As a thermally driven process, Membrane Distillation requires an intrinsic or surface modified hydrophobic membrane filter across which vapor transport is driven by the vapor pressure gradient.
Sterlitech Membrane Distillation (MD) flat sheet membranes can be used with our Direct Contact or Air Gap Cells for MD studies.
Applications:
- Sea and Brackish Water Desalination
- Process Water Treatment
- Wastewater Treatment
- Separation of Clean Water from Oil in Water Emulsions
We highly recommend using a membrane spacers to better support the membrane and help it resist bending and tearing.
Detailed lists of spacers for each cell size are found here (CF016 Size-CF042 Size-Sepa Size)
MD Flat Sheet Comparison:
| Polymer | PTFE | PTFE | PTFE | PTFE | PTFE |
| Pore size | 0.45 µm | 0.2 µm | 0.1 µm | 0.45 µm | 0.2 µm |
| Support material | Laminated,PP neting | Laminated,PP neting | Laminated,PP non woven | NA | NA |
| pH | 1-14 | 1-14 | 1-14 | no limit | no limit |
| Thickness | 64-127 µm | 76-152 µm | 152-254 µm | 21-51 µm | 21-51 µm |
| Water entry pressure | > 0.76 bar (11psi) | > 2.5 bar (37 psi) | > 4.1 bar (60 psi) | > 3.1 bar (45 psi) | > 5.5 bar (80 psi) |
| Application temperature range | 82 C | 82 C | 82 C | 200 C | 200 C |
Documentation
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.
Selection Tool
Pore Size Designation
Size