Material Technology

Each POREX Tubular Membrane Module contains multiple tubular membranes. These structural membrane tubes are made from a PE or PVDF sintered porous substrate that creates an intricate network of open-celled, omni-directional pores. These substrate pores are then filled with membrane which gives our tubes an innovative combination of filtering capability and structural strength. The microphotographs below illustrate the unique bond between the membrane and the substrate.

Structural Membrane Technology

Integral homogenous membrane/substrate
  • No membrane delamination
  • Same polymers
  • Uniform chemical and temperature resistance

Phase inversion process
  • Membrane fused to substrate

Tough uniform membrane composite
  • Optimized assembly
  • Improved yield
  • Surface scratches will not destroy overall structural integrity

Higher pressure resistance
  • Increased flux
  • Reduced system size
  • Improved backpulse efficiency

Chemical Resistance

POREX® Porous Plastics are made from commercially-available thermoplastics that are resistant to a broad spectrum of corrosive chemicals and reagents. The customer should perform appropriate tests to determine the performance of POREX Porous Plastics under each specific operating condition.

For more information see our Chemical Compatibility Chart.

Designed to Perform

POREX Tubular Membrane Modules are designed to retrofit existing tubular membrane systems and replace the existing modules. In operation, a fluid, such as chemically pre-treated wastewater, flows through the tubular modules at high velocity, sufficient to maintain turbulent flow. At typical operating pressures of 20–80 psi, clean fluid is forced through the pores of the membrane, while suspended particulates remain in the retentate stream. The turbulent flow of the retentate stream prevents the build-up of particles on the inner surface of the tube, providing high flux and prolonged filter life. This turbulent crossflow performance and large bore tubular design may eliminate the need for prefiltration and should routinely handle high solids levels up to 5% by weight.