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Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membranes
Sterlitech Reverse Osmosis Flat Sheet Membranes

Sterlitech reverse osmosis (RO) flat sheet membranes may be used in our process filtration units for evaluation or for any of your general separations needs.

Sterlitech carries three brands of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes: 

  • Veolia flat sheet membranes
  • TriSep flat sheet membranes
  • FilmTec™ flat sheet membranes 

Please note: custom sample selections of our flat sheet membranes are also available upon request.

Detailed List Of Sterlitech Flat Sheet Membranes  


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SKU Product Name Designation Polymer Size Pack Size Est Ship Price
YMBW304060 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, BW30, PA-TFC, RO, 1016 x 1524mm, 1/Pk BW30 Polyamide-TFC 1016 x 1524mm 1 2 weeks
$538.44
YMBW303001 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, BW30, PA-TFC, RO, 305 x 305mm, 1/Pk BW30 Polyamide-TFC 305x305mm 1 5-7 days
$127.20
YMBW30475 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, BW30, PA-TFC, RO, 47mm, 5/Pk BW30 Polyamide-TFC 47mm 5 5-7 days
$83.88
1121896 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, BW30, PA-TFC, RO, 90mm, 5/Pk BW30 Polyamide-TFC 90 mm 5 5-7 days
$227.93
1120980 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, BW30, PA-TFC, RO, CF016, 5/Pk BW30 Polyamide-TFC CF016 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMBW304205 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, BW30, PA-TFC, RO, CF042, 5/Pk BW30 Polyamide-TFC CF042 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMBW301905 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, BW30, PA-TFC, RO, Sepa, 5/Pk BW30 Polyamide-TFC Sepa 5 5-7 days
$296.26
1122018 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, BW30XFRLE, PA-TFC, RO, 305 x 305mm, 1/Pk BW30XFRLE Polyamide-TFC 305x305mm 1 5-7 days
$127.20
1122019 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, BW30XFRLE, PA-TFC, RO, 47mm, 5/pk BW30XFRLE Polyamide-TFC 47mm 5 5-7 days
$83.88
1122020 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, BW30XFRLE, PA-TFC, RO, 90mm, 5/pk BW30XFRLE Polyamide-TFC 90 mm 5 5-7 days
$227.93
1122021 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, BW30XFRLE, PA-TFC, RO, CF016, 5/pk BW30XFRLE Polyamide-TFC CF016 5 5-7 days
$167.78
1122022 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, BW30XFRLE, PA-TFC, RO, CF042, 5/pk BW30XFRLE Polyamide-TFC CF042 5 5-7 days
$167.78
1122023 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, BW30XFRLE, PA-TFC, RO, Sepa, 5/pk BW30XFRLE Polyamide-TFC Sepa 5 5-7 days
$296.26
1122187 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, CR100, PA-TFC, RO, 1016 x 1524mm, 1/Pk CR100 Polyamide-TFC 1016 x 1524mm 1 2 weeks
$538.45
1122025 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, CR100, PA-TFC, RO, 305 x 305mm, 1/Pk CR100 Polyamide-TFC 305x305mm 1 5-7 days
$127.20
1122026 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, CR100, PA-TFC, RO, 47mm, 5/pk CR100 Polyamide-TFC 47mm 5 5-7 days
$83.88
1122027 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, CR100, PA-TFC, RO, 90mm, 5/pk CR100 Polyamide-TFC 90 mm 5 5-7 days
$227.93
1122028 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, CR100, PA-TFC, RO, CF016, 5/pk CR100 Polyamide-TFC CF016 5 5-7 days
$167.78
1122029 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, CR100, PA-TFC, RO, CF042, 5/pk CR100 Polyamide-TFC CF042 5 5-7 days
$167.78
1122030 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, CR100, PA-TFC, RO, Sepa, 5/pk CR100 Polyamide-TFC Sepa 5 5-7 days
$296.26
1122053 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SEAMAXX, PA-TFC, RO, 305 x 305mm, 1/Pk SEAMAXX Polyamide-TFC 305x305mm 1 5-7 days
$127.20
1122054 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SEAMAXX, PA-TFC, RO, 47mm, 5/pk SEAMAXX Polyamide-TFC 47mm 5 5-7 days
$83.88
1122055 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SEAMAXX, PA-TFC, RO, 90mm, 5/pk SEAMAXX Polyamide-TFC 90 mm 5 5-7 days
$227.93
1122056 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SEAMAXX, PA-TFC, RO, CF016, 5/pk SEAMAXX Polyamide-TFC CF016 5 5-7 days
$167.78
1122057 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SEAMAXX, PA-TFC, RO, CF042, 5/pk SEAMAXX Polyamide-TFC CF042 5 5-7 days
$167.78
1122058 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SEAMAXX, PA-TFC, RO, Sepa, 5/pk SEAMAXX Polyamide-TFC Sepa 5 5-7 days
$296.26
1122060 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SW30HRLE, PA-TFC, RO, 305 x 305mm, 1/Pk SW30HRLE Polyamide-TFC 305x305mm 1 5-7 days
$127.20
1122061 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SW30HRLE, PA-TFC, RO, 47mm, 5/pk SW30HRLE Polyamide-TFC 47mm 5 5-7 days
$83.88
1122062 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SW30HRLE, PA-TFC, RO, 90mm, 5/pk SW30HRLE Polyamide-TFC 90 mm 5 5-7 days
$227.93
1122063 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SW30HRLE, PA-TFC, RO, CF016, 5/pk SW30HRLE Polyamide-TFC CF016 5 5-7 days
$167.78
1122064 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SW30HRLE, PA-TFC, RO, CF042, 5/pk SW30HRLE Polyamide-TFC CF042 5 5-7 days
$167.78
1122065 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SW30HRLE, PA-TFC, RO, Sepa, 5/pk SW30HRLE Polyamide-TFC Sepa 5 5-7 days
$296.26
1122067 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SW30XFR, PA-TFC, RO, 305 x 305mm, 1/Pk SW30XFR Polyamide-TFC 305x305mm 1 5-7 days
$127.20
1122068 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SW30XFR, PA-TFC, RO, 47mm, 5/pk SW30XFR Polyamide-TFC 47mm 5 5-7 days
$83.88
1122069 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SW30XFR, PA-TFC, RO, 90mm, 5/pk SW30XFR Polyamide-TFC 90 mm 5 5-7 days
$227.93
1122070 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SW30XFR, PA-TFC, RO, CF016, 5/pk SW30XFR Polyamide-TFC CF016 5 5-7 days
$167.78
1122071 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SW30XFR, PA-TFC, RO, CF042, 5/pk SW30XFR Polyamide-TFC CF042 5 5-7 days
$167.78
1122072 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SW30XFR, PA-TFC, RO, Sepa, 5/pk SW30XFR Polyamide-TFC Sepa 5 5-7 days
$296.26
YMSW30XLE4060 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SW30XLE, PA-TFC, RO, 1016 x 1524mm, 1/Pk SW30XLE Polyamide-TFC 1016 x 1524mm 1 2 weeks
$538.44
YMSW30XLE3001 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SW30XLE, PA-TFC, RO, 305 x 305mm, 1/Pk SW30XLE Polyamide-TFC 305x305mm 1 2 weeks
$127.20
YMSW30XLE475 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SW30XLE, PA-TFC, RO, 47mm, 5/Pk SW30XLE Polyamide-TFC 47mm 5 2 weeks
$83.88
1121038 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SW30XLE, PA-TFC, RO, CF016, 5/Pk SW30XLE Polyamide-TFC CF016 5 2 weeks
$167.78
YMSW30XLE4205 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SW30XLE, PA-TFC, RO, CF042, 5/Pk SW30XLE Polyamide-TFC CF042 5 2 weeks
$167.78
YMSW30XLE1905 Dow Filmtec Flat Sheet Membrane, SW30XLE, PA-TFC, RO, Sepa, 5/Pk SW30XLE Polyamide-TFC Sepa 5 2 weeks
$296.26
YMACM23001 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM2, PA, RO, 1016 x 305mm, 1/Pk ACM2 Polyamide-TFC 1016x305mm 1 5-7 days
$152.52
YMACM2475 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM2, PA, RO, 47mm, 5/Pk ACM2 Polyamide-TFC 47mm 5 5-7 days
$83.88
1121978 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM2, PA, RO, 90mm, 5/Pk ACM2 Polyamide-TFC 90 mm 5 5-7 days
$227.93
1120973 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM2, PA, RO, CF016, 5/Pk ACM2 Polyamide-TFC CF016 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMACM24205 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM2, PA, RO, CF042, 5/Pk ACM2 Polyamide-TFC CF042 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMACM21905 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM2, PA, RO, Sepa, 5/Pk ACM2 Polyamide-TFC Sepa 5 5-7 days
$296.26
YMACM33001 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM3, PA, RO, 1016 x 305mm, 1/Pk ACM3 Polyamide-TFC 1016x305mm 1 5-7 days
$152.52
YMACM3475 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM3, PA, RO, 47mm, 5/Pk ACM3 Polyamide-TFC 47mm 5 5-7 days
$83.88
1121980 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM3, PA, RO, 90mm, 5/Pk ACM3 Polyamide-TFC 90 mm 5 5-7 days
$227.93
1120974 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM3, PA, RO, CF016, 5/Pk ACM3 Polyamide-TFC CF016 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMACM34205 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM3, PA, RO, CF042, 5/Pk ACM3 Polyamide-TFC CF042 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMACM31905 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM3, PA, RO, Sepa, 5/Pk ACM3 Polyamide-TFC Sepa 5 5-7 days
$296.26
YMACM43001 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM4, PA, RO, 1016 x 305mm, 1/Pk ACM4 Polyamide-TFC 1016x305mm 1 5-7 days
$152.52
YMACM4475 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM4, PA, RO, 47mm, 5/Pk ACM4 Polyamide-TFC 47mm 5 5-7 days
$83.88
1121982 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM4, PA, RO, 90mm, 5/Pk ACM4 Polyamide-TFC 90 mm 5 5-7 days
$227.93
1120975 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM4, PA, RO, CF016, 5/Pk ACM4 Polyamide-TFC CF016 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMACM44205 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM4, PA, RO, CF042, 5/Pk ACM4 Polyamide-TFC CF042 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMACM41905 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM4, PA, RO, Sepa, 5/Pk ACM4 Polyamide-TFC Sepa 5 5-7 days
$296.26
YMACM53001 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM5, PA, RO, 1016 x 305mm, 1/Pk ACM5 Polyamide-TFC 1016x305mm 1 5-7 days
$152.52
YMACM5475 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM5, PA, RO, 47mm, 5/Pk ACM5 Polyamide-TFC 47mm 5 5-7 days
$83.88
1121984 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM5, PA, RO, 90mm, 5/Pk ACM5 Polyamide-TFC 90mm 5 5-7 days
$227.93
1120976 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM5, PA, RO, CF016, 5/Pk ACM5 Polyamide-TFC CF016 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMACM54205 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM5, PA, RO, CF042, 5/Pk ACM5 Polyamide-TFC CF042 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMACM51905 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, ACM5, PA, RO, Sepa, 5/Pk ACM5 Polyamide-TFC Sepa 5 5-7 days
$296.26
YMSB503001 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, SB50, CA Blend, RO, 1016 x 305mm, 1/Pk SB50 Cellulose acetate blend 1016x305mm 1 5-7 days
$152.52
YMSB50475 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, SB50, CA Blend, RO, 47mm, 5/Pk SB50 Cellulose acetate blend 47mm 5 5-7 days
$83.88
1121986 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, SB50, CA Blend, RO, 90mm, 5/Pk SB50 Celulose Acetate Blend 90 mm 5 5-7 days
$227.93
1121030 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, SB50, CA Blend, RO, CF016, 5/Pk SB50 Cellulose Acetate CF016 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMSB504205 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, SB50, CA Blend, RO, CF042, 5/Pk SB50 Cellulose acetate blend CF042 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMSB501905 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, SB50, CA Blend, RO, Sepa, 5/Pk SB50 Cellulose acetate blend Sepa 5 5-7 days
$296.26
YMX2013001 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, X201, PA-UREA, RO, 1016 x 305mm, 1/Pk X201 Polyamide-urea-TFC 1016x305mm 1 5-7 days
$152.52
YMX201475 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, X201, PA-UREA, RO, 47mm, 5/Pk X201 Polyamide-urea-TFC 47mm 5 5-7 days
$83.88
1121996 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, X201, PA-UREA, RO, 90mm, 5/Pk X201 Polyamide-urea-TFC 90 mm 5 5-7 days
$227.93
1121054 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, X201, PA-UREA, RO, CF016, 5/Pk X201 PA-UREA CF016 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMX2014205 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, X201, PA-UREA, RO, CF042, 5/Pk X201 Polyamide-urea-TFC CF042 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMX2011905 TriSep Flat Sheet Membrane, X201, PA-UREA, RO, Sepa, 5/Pk X201 Polyamide-urea-TFC Sepa 5 5-7 days
$296.26
YMAGSP3001 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, AG, PA-TFC, RO, 305 x 305mm, 1/Pk AG Polyamide-TFC 305x305mm 1 5-7 days
$99.94
YMAGSP475 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, AG, PA-TFC, RO, 47mm, 5/Pk AG Polyamide-TFC 47mm 5 5-7 days
$83.88
1121942 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, AG, PA-TFC, RO, 90mm, 5/Pk AG Polyamide-TFC 90 mm 5 5-7 days
$227.93
1120977 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, AG, PA-TFC, RO, CF016, 5/Pk AG Polyamide-TFC CF016 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMAGSP4205 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, AG, PA-TFC, RO, CF042, 5/Pk AG Polyamide-TFC CF042 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMAGSP1905 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, AG, PA-TFC, RO, Sepa, 5/Pk AG Polyamide-TFC Sepa 5 5-7 days
$310.37
YMAKSP3001 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, AK, PA-TFC, RO, 305 x 305mm, 1/Pk AK Polyamide-TFC 305x305mm 1 5-7 days
$99.94
YMAKSP475 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, AK, PA-TFC, RO, 47mm, 5/Pk AK Polyamide-TFC 47mm 5 5-7 days
$83.88
1121944 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, AK, PA-TFC, RO, 90mm, 5/Pk AK Polyamide-TFC 90 mm 5 5-7 days
$227.93
1120978 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, AK, PA-TFC, RO, CF016, 5/Pk AK Polyamide-TFC CF016 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMAKSP4205 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, AK, PA-TFC, RO, CF042, 5/Pk AK Polyamide-TFC CF042 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMAKSP1905 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, AK, PA-TFC, RO, Sepa, 5/Pk AK Polyamide-TFC Sepa 5 5-7 days
$310.37
1120717 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, AP, PA-TFC, RO, 47mm, 5/Pk AP Polyamide-TFC 47mm 5 5-7 days
$83.88
1121946 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, AP, PA-TFC, RO, 90mm, 5/Pk AP Polyamide-TFC 90 mm 5 5-7 days
$191.15
1120715 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, AP, PA-TFC, RO, CF042, 5/Pk AP Polyamide-TFC CF042 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMSESP3001 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, SE, PA-TFC, RO, 305 x 305mm, 1/pk SE Polyamide-TFC 305x305mm 1 5-7 days
$99.94
YMSESP475 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, SE, PA-TFC, RO, 47mm, 5/Pk SE Polyamide-TFC 47mm 5 5-7 days
$83.88
1121956 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, SE, PA-TFC, RO, 90mm, 5/Pk SE Polyamide-TFC 90 mm 5 5-7 days
$227.93
1121034 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, SE, PA-TFC, RO, CF016, 5/Pk SE Polyamide-TFC CF016 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMSESP4205 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, SE, PA-TFC, RO, CF042, 5/Pk SE Polyamide-TFC CF042 5 5-7 days
$167.78
YMSESP1905 Veolia Flat Sheet Membrane, SE, PA-TFC, RO, Sepa, 5/Pk SE Polyamide-TFC Sepa 5 5-7 days
$310.37
per page
Set Descending Direction

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes—flat sheet membranes can be cut to fit your stirred cell. For best results, use the stirred cell support disk as a template to trace the correct size, then cut the membrane carefully to match.

Yes, we can supply the flat sheet membranes in the correct disk size for your stirred cell. Please contact us at [email protected] for pricing and availability.

Used flat sheet crossflow membranes must be stored wet at all times. If a membrane is allowed to dry out, it can irreversibly lose water permeability and performance.

For storage, place the membrane fully submerged in one of the following solutions:
0.5% formaldehyde solution (helps prevent microbial growth)
1.0% sodium metabisulfite (SMBS) solution -- Replace the SMBS solution monthly to maintain effectiveness

UPDI water (ultrapure deionized water)--Replace the water weekly to reduce contamination and biofouling

Yes, we are able to offer some of the flat sheet membranes as roll stock. Please contact us at [email protected] to inquire about pricing and availability.

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

We do not offer complimentary samples of the flat sheet crossflow membranes. However, most customers find the standard pack quantities to be quite reasonable for initial evaluations. For customers that want to evaluate several different membranes, we do offer custom variety packs. And, in some instances, we may be able to offer custom packs containing smaller sheet quantities. Please contact us to inquire about pricing and availability.

Sterlitech flat sheet crossflow membranes should be stored sealed in the original packaging in a climate-controlled environment, protected from direct light, heat, and temperature extremes. While we recommend using membranes as soon as practical after receipt, most flat sheet membranes can typically be stored for up to one (1) year without affecting performance when stored properly.

Some manufacturers supply their membrane in wet to prevent the membrane from going dry. There is always moisture in these sealed bags and it is not uncommon for some condensation (droplets) to form.
Rinsing the membrane on both sides with a stream of clean water is sufficient to remove the preservative solution. There is no need to pre-condition.
Yes, you need to pre-wet the membranes. The best procedure is to place them in a dry holder and allow them to wet from the inlet side first. It may be best to perform this operation with water or a buffer, then dispose of the first rinse, and introduce the process fluid. This prevents any wetting agents or preservatives from mixing with the process solution.
Yes, you may attempt to reuse flat sheet membranes. However, you may find it difficult to achieve a leak free seal. The cell body o-rings necessarily compress the membrane during installation and the physical action of separating the membrane from the o-rings during removal may cause damage. This damage can impede that ability to achieve a leak free seal when the membrane is reused.
Unfortunately, allowing a previously wetted crossflow membrane to dry usually results in permanent reduction of water permeability. Nevertheless, you can attempt to re-wet the membrane and use it. First, soak the membrane in a 50% alcohol solution for at least 15min (ethanol, methanol, or IPA would be acceptable). Next, install the membrane in the test cell and operate the cell with purified deionized water as though you were pre-conditioning the membrane. After about 30min, the permeate flux should stabilize to whatever rate the membrane is now capable of.
Determining which solution to use to clean a flat sheet membrane depends on the substance it is fouled with. As a general rule, you can use a caustic or oxidant solution for organic fouling and an acidic solution for inorganic causes. Please remember that different membranes polymers have different pH tolerances.
Yes, for flat sheet membranes that will be used with water or aqueous solutions, we recommend that you pre-condition the membranes prior to conducting your separation experiments. Pre-conditioning helps ensure that the membranes perform as expected. Also, pre-conditioning removes preservatives and other residuals from the membranes. Purified deionized water is used to pre-condition the membranes. For all flat sheet membranes except the forward osmosis (FO) membranes, install the membrane in the test cell and apply the purified deionized water feed at the normal operating rate and pressure for the membrane. Allow the system to operate with the purified deionized water feed until the permeate flux stabilizes at an expected value. You can now replace the purified deionized water feed with your feed solution and begin your experiments.
Most membrane manufacturers recommend CFVs of 5 to 35cm/s for their spiral wound membrane elements. The flat sheet membranes can be operated in this range to simulate use in such elements. Additionally, the flat sheet membranes may be operated outside of this range by users that want to examine the relationship between CVF and fouling and membrane performance in their applications.
Cross flow velocity (CFV) is the linear velocity of the feed flow tangential to the membrane surface and is typically reported in m/sec or ft/sec. It is calculated by dividing the volumetric flow rate through the feed channel by the cross-sectional area of the feed channel. Please refer to the CFV article at Tech Tips for more information.
The recommended TMP will depend on the type of flat sheet membrane and on the application. Typically, a reasonable TMP will be the same as that noted for the permeate flux specification of the membrane. The specifications for any of the flat sheet membranes can be easily found on our website by clicking the “application/specification” tab on the product web page and scrolling down as necessary. Please contact us at [email protected] if you need additional assistance.
These membrane sizes are intended for use in the bench-scale crossflow test cells offered by Sterlitech. Please see the list of flat sheet membranes we offer and their dimensions: HP4750 Stirred Cell: 47 mm (1.85") discs, CF016 cell: 58 x 75 mm (2.26 x 2.95") coupons, CF042 cell: 56 x 115 mm (2.20 x 4.53") coupons, Sepa CF cell: 140 x 190 mm (5.51 x 7.48") coupons, CF047 circular cell: 47 mm discs, CF090 circular cell: 90 mm discs

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes—flat sheet membranes can be cut to fit your stirred cell. For best results, use the stirred cell support disk as a template to trace the correct size, then cut the membrane carefully to match.

Yes, we can supply the flat sheet membranes in the correct disk size for your stirred cell. Please contact us at [email protected] for pricing and availability.

Used flat sheet crossflow membranes must be stored wet at all times. If a membrane is allowed to dry out, it can irreversibly lose water permeability and performance.

For storage, place the membrane fully submerged in one of the following solutions:
0.5% formaldehyde solution (helps prevent microbial growth)
1.0% sodium metabisulfite (SMBS) solution -- Replace the SMBS solution monthly to maintain effectiveness

UPDI water (ultrapure deionized water)--Replace the water weekly to reduce contamination and biofouling

Yes, we are able to offer some of the flat sheet membranes as roll stock. Please contact us at [email protected] to inquire about pricing and availability.

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

We do not offer complimentary samples of the flat sheet crossflow membranes. However, most customers find the standard pack quantities to be quite reasonable for initial evaluations. For customers that want to evaluate several different membranes, we do offer custom variety packs. And, in some instances, we may be able to offer custom packs containing smaller sheet quantities. Please contact us to inquire about pricing and availability.

Sterlitech flat sheet crossflow membranes should be stored sealed in the original packaging in a climate-controlled environment, protected from direct light, heat, and temperature extremes. While we recommend using membranes as soon as practical after receipt, most flat sheet membranes can typically be stored for up to one (1) year without affecting performance when stored properly.

Some manufacturers supply their membrane in wet to prevent the membrane from going dry. There is always moisture in these sealed bags and it is not uncommon for some condensation (droplets) to form.
Rinsing the membrane on both sides with a stream of clean water is sufficient to remove the preservative solution. There is no need to pre-condition.
Yes, you need to pre-wet the membranes. The best procedure is to place them in a dry holder and allow them to wet from the inlet side first. It may be best to perform this operation with water or a buffer, then dispose of the first rinse, and introduce the process fluid. This prevents any wetting agents or preservatives from mixing with the process solution.
Yes, you may attempt to reuse flat sheet membranes. However, you may find it difficult to achieve a leak free seal. The cell body o-rings necessarily compress the membrane during installation and the physical action of separating the membrane from the o-rings during removal may cause damage. This damage can impede that ability to achieve a leak free seal when the membrane is reused.
Unfortunately, allowing a previously wetted crossflow membrane to dry usually results in permanent reduction of water permeability. Nevertheless, you can attempt to re-wet the membrane and use it. First, soak the membrane in a 50% alcohol solution for at least 15min (ethanol, methanol, or IPA would be acceptable). Next, install the membrane in the test cell and operate the cell with purified deionized water as though you were pre-conditioning the membrane. After about 30min, the permeate flux should stabilize to whatever rate the membrane is now capable of.
Determining which solution to use to clean a flat sheet membrane depends on the substance it is fouled with. As a general rule, you can use a caustic or oxidant solution for organic fouling and an acidic solution for inorganic causes. Please remember that different membranes polymers have different pH tolerances.
Yes, for flat sheet membranes that will be used with water or aqueous solutions, we recommend that you pre-condition the membranes prior to conducting your separation experiments. Pre-conditioning helps ensure that the membranes perform as expected. Also, pre-conditioning removes preservatives and other residuals from the membranes. Purified deionized water is used to pre-condition the membranes. For all flat sheet membranes except the forward osmosis (FO) membranes, install the membrane in the test cell and apply the purified deionized water feed at the normal operating rate and pressure for the membrane. Allow the system to operate with the purified deionized water feed until the permeate flux stabilizes at an expected value. You can now replace the purified deionized water feed with your feed solution and begin your experiments.
Most membrane manufacturers recommend CFVs of 5 to 35cm/s for their spiral wound membrane elements. The flat sheet membranes can be operated in this range to simulate use in such elements. Additionally, the flat sheet membranes may be operated outside of this range by users that want to examine the relationship between CVF and fouling and membrane performance in their applications.
Cross flow velocity (CFV) is the linear velocity of the feed flow tangential to the membrane surface and is typically reported in m/sec or ft/sec. It is calculated by dividing the volumetric flow rate through the feed channel by the cross-sectional area of the feed channel. Please refer to the CFV article at Tech Tips for more information.
The recommended TMP will depend on the type of flat sheet membrane and on the application. Typically, a reasonable TMP will be the same as that noted for the permeate flux specification of the membrane. The specifications for any of the flat sheet membranes can be easily found on our website by clicking the “application/specification” tab on the product web page and scrolling down as necessary. Please contact us at [email protected] if you need additional assistance.
These membrane sizes are intended for use in the bench-scale crossflow test cells offered by Sterlitech. Please see the list of flat sheet membranes we offer and their dimensions: HP4750 Stirred Cell: 47 mm (1.85") discs, CF016 cell: 58 x 75 mm (2.26 x 2.95") coupons, CF042 cell: 56 x 115 mm (2.20 x 4.53") coupons, Sepa CF cell: 140 x 190 mm (5.51 x 7.48") coupons, CF047 circular cell: 47 mm discs, CF090 circular cell: 90 mm discs

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