Ultrafiltration Modules Use PES Membrane to Improve Operating Efficiency

3M Liqui-Flux ultrafiltration modules are engineered for flexibility, durability and performance. The modules use polyethersulfone (PES) capillary membrane in a pressure-driven outflow design that can be operated in dead-end or cross-flow operating modes. This can help improve operating efficiency under changing and challenging water conditions, even with coagulation. Module setup can be tailored to meet customer specific needs. The inside-out flow design does not require scouring for cleaning, which could help avoid fiber breaks and reduce system complexity and energy use.

3M's PES membranes offer well-defined pore structure. UltraPES demonstrates this with its distinctive three-layer structure, which provides a highly porous support for the separation layer, giving mechanical strength through thicker polymer ligaments and a protection layer on the outside with reduced pore size to safeguard the overall membrane structure and integrity.

Throughout the module, 3M’s UltraPES membrane is stabilized by its Multifiber P.E.T. technology. Groups of hollow fiber membranes are interlaced with a robust polyester (PET) yarn, which is potted together with the membranes. This provides additional mechanical strength for the hollow fiber in the axial direction as well as during back-flushing, when the fibers can experience some flexing. At the same time, hydrodynamics during the backwash are improved as the yarn acts as spacer between small bundles of hollow fiber membranes. This ensures better access for the flushing water to reach all areas of the membrane sections, even in the central area of a membrane segment.