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Cross and Tangential Flow Test Cells

Cross and Tangential Flow Test Cells are bench-scale cross/tangential flow membrane test cells used in pressure driven applications. Sterlitech offers test cells that are designed for small scale crossflow filtration testing using polymeric flat sheet membranes in a wide range of RO, NF, UF and MF. Sterlitech also offers a bench-scale test cell for tubular ceramic membranes: Valisette ceramic test cells. Sterlitech Cross/Tangential Flow Cells can be incorporated into any Benchtop or Skid Mounted System.

In general, the feed solution is circulated tangentially to the membrane filter in the crossflow/tangential flow membrane test cells. Molecules or materials which are smaller than the membrane's molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) or porosity pass through the membrane as permeate and the remainder is retained on the feed side of the membrane as retentate.

Interested in learning how to operate our membrane process equipment?  Check out our MPD channel to watch videos now!

MaterialFeaturesApplicationsPore Size (μm)
Pioneer Researcher Cells, Circular Cell Assembly, For Cross Flow Filtration

Circular crossflow cells provide fast and accurate performance data with minimal amount of membrane material, expense, or time. 

Assist a researcher in scaling up to larger membranes.

N/A
Innovator CF016 Cell Assembly: Bench Scale Cross Flow Filtration and Tangential Flow Filtration

Accepts polymeric flat sheet membranes, mimics both laminar or turbulent flow conditions, and provides fast and accurate performance data

Biological or biopharmaceutical processing, desalination of brackish water or seawater, concentration of fruit juices and extracts

N/A
Explorer CF042 Cell Assembly: Bench Scale Cross Flow Filtration and Tangential Flow Filtration

Mimics both laminar or turbulent flow conditions, provides fast and accurate performance data

Biological or biopharmaceutical processing, food and beverage processing, purification of rinse water in electroplating tanks

N/A
Sepa Cell: Bench Scale Cross Flow Filtration and Tangential Flow Filtration

Mimics both laminar or turbulent flow conditions, provides fast and accurate performance data

Purification of rinse water in electroplating tanks, municipal or industrial water and wastewater purification

N/A
Tangential Flow Filtration Cell Kits

A do it yourselft (DIY) kit to operate our bench-scale cross/tangential flow cells.  These kits do not include wiring or full plumbing. 

Biological or biopharmaceutical processing, desalination of brackish water or seawater, municipal or industrial water and wastewater purification.

N/A
Electric Field-Assisted Cross Flow Cells For Cross Flow Filtration and Tangential Flow Filtration

Applying an electric field to membranes enhances membrane performance by increasing electrostatic repulsion between membranes and foulants.

Cross/tangential flow filtration, fouling dynamics and prevention, ultrafiltration of high protein concentration solutions

N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

Please refer to the following diagram to examine recommended feed flow rates for the crossflow cell you are working with.

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.

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).

 

Video Link

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.