3M Separations & Purifications Sciences Division is a leading producer of fluid filtration and separations media globally. Whether it’s 3M™ Liqui-Cel™ Membrane Contactors for chemical-free dissolved gas control to industry-leading levels, 3M™ Liqui-Flux™ ultrafiltration modules for reliable and sustained performance or media filtration solutions that consistently deliver clean and pure water, 3M has the solution to meet your fluid separation challenges.
3M Liqui-Cel Membrane Contactors are compact and modular devices that control dissolved gases in liquids without chemicals. They are capable of achieving < 1pbb O2 and < 1ppm CO2. Removing the oxygen and carbon dioxide can reduce deterioration of boilers and piping due to corrosion. Chemical usage may also be reduced which can decrease the blow down frequency due to scaling from chemical deposits. Carbon dioxide removal can improve efficiency and reduces chemical consumption in mixed bed or EDI technologies.
Combining the integrity of UltraPES membrane with the flexibility of variable port options, 3M Liqui-Flux ultrafiltration modules operate modes to deliver sustainable performance even with difficult water sources.
As an alternative to conventional treatment steps, such as flocculation, sedimentation and multi media filtration, 3M Liqui-Flux ultrafiltration modules reliably help remove turbidity and suspended solids from a raw water stream. Even if the inlet water quality is inconsistent, a very high quality outlet can be achieved. The UltraPES membrane is known for its well defined pore structure with its distinctive three layer structure providing 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.
3M UltraPES Polyethersufone (PES) hollow fiber membrane provides a retentive layer on the inner side of the hollow fiber membrane. It exhibits an extremely hydrophilic characteristic which reduces the potential of fouling. In addition UltraPES shows a high caustic resistance and free chlorine tolerance allowing 3M Liqui-Flux modules to operate at pH values between one and 13. The pronounced asymmetric structure leads to an outstanding relation of permeability and retention rate. This allows UltraPES to achieve high volume flow at low transmembrane pressure and provides a unique way to reduce energy costs resulting in low operating costs particularly for larger filtration plants.
Throughout the module, 3M’s UltraPES membrane is stabilised by its Multifiber P.E.T. Technology. Groups of hollow fiber membranes are interlaced with a robust 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 backflushing when the fibers can experience some flexing. At the same time, hydrodynamics during the back wash is 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. The modules utilise potted sealing instead of o-rings to prevent microbiological cross-contemination.
