Liqui-Flux®W20 UF Membrane 3M™ Equivalent

Product Introduction

The Liqui-Flux® W20 UF Membrane is a high-performance ultrafiltration module designed as a functional and dimensional equivalent to the 3M™ Liqui-Flux® W20 model. It offers reliable and efficient separation of suspended solids, bacteria, and viruses from various water sources, making it ideal for a wide range of industrial and municipal water treatment applications.

Engineered with robust polyethersulfone (PES) hollow fiber membranes and housed in a durable module shell, this membrane unit ensures high mechanical stability, chemical resistance, and long operational life. The W20 delivers consistent filtrate quality and operational flexibility while reducing maintenance and energy consumption.

Whether used for potable water production, wastewater reuse, or process water pre-treatment, the Liqui-Flux® W20 provides a smart and cost-effective solution.

Working Principle

The Liqui-Flux® W20 operates on the outside-in filtration principle, using hollow fiber ultrafiltration technology. The process is as follows:

1.    Feedwater Entry:
Raw or partially treated water is introduced into the outer shell of the membrane module.

2.    Separation Process:
Water passes through the porous membrane wall of the hollow fibers, which have a nominal pore size of approximately 0.03 µm. Suspended solids, bacteria, viruses, and other macromolecules are retained on the outside surface.

3.    Permeate Collection:
The filtered water flows through the hollow center (lumen) of each fiber and is collected at the outlet as permeate.

4.    Cleaning:
Accumulated solids are periodically removed via backwashing and chemical cleaning (CIP), ensuring consistent performance and extended membrane life.

This highly efficient process guarantees excellent water quality while minimizing operating costs.

Key Features

·         ✅ 3M™ Liqui-Flux® W20 Equivalent Design
Seamless integration and replacement in existing systems without modification.

·         ✅ Advanced PES Membrane Material
Offers high mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability.

·         ✅ Low Fouling & Easy Cleaning
The hydrophilic membrane surface resists fouling and supports frequent backwashing and CIP.

·         ✅ Compact & Modular Configuration
Allows for space-saving installation and scalable system design.

·         ✅ Stable Filtrate Quality
Maintains turbidity <0.1 NTU with >4-log microorganism removal.

·         ✅ Energy-Efficient Operation
Operates at low transmembrane pressure (TMP), reducing energy consumption.

Technical Specifications

Applications

1. Municipal Water Treatment

Used in drinking water plants to ensure safe, pathogen-free water. It removes bacteria, viruses, algae, and turbidity effectively.

2. Industrial Process Water

Provides clean and stable quality water for electronics, textiles, food and beverage, and other industrial processes.

3. Wastewater Recycling

Used in tertiary treatment stages to reclaim treated wastewater for non-potable applications like cooling, irrigation, and cleaning.

4. RO Pretreatment

Reduces SDI and fouling load on RO membranes, enhancing their performance and extending lifespan.

5. Desalination Systems

Acts as a pretreatment step in seawater and brackish water desalination systems to protect downstream RO units.

6. Pharmaceutical & Biotech

Ensures ultra-pure water for production and cleaning processes, where strict quality standards are required.

FAQ

Q1: Is the W20 module fully compatible with the 3M™ Liqui-Flux® W20?
Yes, it is designed to be a drop-in replacement with matching connections and dimensions.

Q2: What is the pore size of the membrane?
The nominal pore size is approximately 0.03 microns, suitable for removing microorganisms and fine particulates.

Q3: What cleaning options are supported?
Routine backwash and periodic chemical clean-in-place (CIP) procedures can be performed to restore performance.

Q4: Can the module be used in seawater pretreatment?
Yes, it's commonly used as a pretreatment for seawater RO systems to remove silt, algae, and microorganisms.

Q5: What is the typical service life of the membrane?
With proper maintenance, the module can last between 3–5 years depending on feed water quality and operating conditions.

Q6: Is it safe for drinking water applications?
Yes, it is manufactured with materials suitable for potable water use and complies with international standards.

Q7: What installation orientation is recommended?
Both vertical and horizontal installation are supported, depending on system design.

Q8: Is it chlorine-tolerant?
Short-term exposure to chlorine (up to 200 ppm) is acceptable for cleaning, but continuous exposure should be avoided.