Liqui-Flux®W10 UF Membrane 3M™ Equivalent

Product Introduction

The Liqui-Flux® W10 Ultrafiltration (UF) Membrane is a robust and high-efficiency membrane module, engineered to serve as a direct replacement and functional equivalent to the 3M™ Liqui-Flux® W10 module. Designed for industrial and municipal water treatment applications, this UF membrane delivers excellent performance in removing suspended solids, bacteria, viruses, and macromolecules while maintaining a high water recovery rate.

Built with durable and hydrophilic Polyethersulfone (PES) hollow fiber membranes, the W10 is ideal for systems requiring consistent and reliable filtration under varying water qualities. It supports outside-in filtration, low fouling characteristics, and allows for effective backwash and chemical cleaning processes. Whether in potable water production, process water purification, or wastewater recovery, the Liqui-Flux® W10 UF membrane provides a cost-effective and dependable filtration solution.

Working Principle

The Liqui-Flux® W10 UF membrane works on the outside-in flow filtration principle utilizing hollow fiber membrane technology. Here’s how it operates:

1.    Feedwater Introduction
Water containing contaminants flows around the outside of the hollow fibers.

2.    Filtration Process
As pressure is applied, water passes through the microporous membrane wall (~0.03 µm pore size), while suspended solids, bacteria, and viruses are retained on the fiber surface.

3.    Permeate Collection
Clean water flows through the fiber lumens and is collected as permeate for downstream use or distribution.

4.    Cleaning Cycles
Periodic backwash and chemically enhanced cleaning (CIP) remove accumulated debris from the outer fiber surface to restore flux and prolong module life.

This filtration principle ensures effective particle retention while maintaining high throughput and low energy consumption.

Key Features

·         ✅ 3M™ Liqui-Flux® W10 Equivalent
Perfectly interchangeable in design, dimensions, and performance for seamless integration into existing systems.

·         ✅ Advanced PES Membrane Material
Provides excellent chemical resistance and structural stability under harsh conditions.

·         ✅ Outside-In Filtration Configuration
Maximizes solids tolerance and simplifies cleaning and maintenance.

·         ✅ Hydrophilic Membrane Surface
Minimizes fouling and supports consistent long-term performance.

·         ✅ Compact Module Design
Facilitates high packing density and efficient use of installation space.

·         ✅ Backwashable and CIP-Compatible
Enables longer membrane life and consistent permeate quality with minimal operational interruption.

Technical Parameters

Applications

1. Municipal Drinking Water Treatment

The Liqui-Flux® W10 is widely used in municipal water treatment systems for the production of safe, clear, and pathogen-free drinking water. It effectively removes microorganisms, turbidity, and particulate matter.

2. Industrial Process Water Purification

Industries such as pharmaceuticals, microelectronics, and food processing require ultra-clean water for their operations. The W10 module provides consistent and reliable water quality essential for high-precision processes.

3. Wastewater Reuse and Recovery

In water-scarce regions and sustainability-focused operations, this membrane module is used to treat and reclaim wastewater for non-potable applications like irrigation, cooling water, and industrial reuse.

4. Pretreatment for Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

Using the W10 module upstream of RO helps in reducing SDI (Silt Density Index), biological load, and organic matter, protecting RO membranes and increasing their efficiency and lifespan.

5. Desalination Pre-Filtration

Seawater or brackish water desalination plants use UF modules as a key pretreatment step to remove particulates and biofoulants before entering the RO system.

6. Food & Beverage Industry

Used for clarification, protein separation, and microbial control in beverages and dairy processing, ensuring hygienic standards and product consistency.

FAQ

Q1: Is the Liqui-Flux® W10 module a direct replacement for the original 3M™ module?
Yes, it is designed with full dimensional and performance compatibility for easy plug-and-play installation.

Q2: What feed water quality is acceptable for this UF module?
It can handle raw water sources including surface water, well water, municipal water, and tertiary treated wastewater.

Q3: What is the nominal pore size of the membrane?
Approximately 0.03 µm, which effectively removes bacteria, viruses, and suspended solids.

Q4: How often does the module need cleaning?
Routine backwashing is automated based on pressure differential; CIP is recommended every 1–4 weeks depending on fouling.

Q5: Can the module operate under variable temperature conditions?
Yes, the UF module can operate effectively within a 5°C to 45°C temperature range.

Q6: Is the membrane chlorine-resistant?
Yes, the PES membrane has moderate chlorine resistance, typically up to 200 ppm for short-term exposure during cleaning.

Q7: How long is the service life of the Liqui-Flux® W10 UF module?
With proper operation and cleaning, the expected lifespan is 3 to 5 years.

Q8: What are the installation requirements?
The module can be mounted vertically or horizontally and requires standard connection types like Victaulic or customized flanges.