Module M38L/H
The flexible Alfa Laval module M38L/H is developed to treat all low to medium viscosity products (1-25 cP) and fermentation broths by means of ultrafiltration and microfiltration. The module is particularly suited for use in industries such as biotech and pharma, food and beverages as well as pulp and paper
Improved products and processes
Ultrafiltration (UF) is unique in that it allows liquids to be separated, concentrated and purified, all at the same time. Water and low molecular-weight substances pass through the membrane whilst high molecular-weight substances are rejected.
The composite structure of our microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) membranes, consisting of a support layer for mechanical strength and a thinner selective layer for the separation, combines the best of two worlds: High mechanical strength and a high capacity/flux.
Plate-and-frame module, M38L/H
The Alfa Laval plate-and-frame module M38L/H is an energy-efficient module for the biotech and pharma industries where it ís used for the processing of antibiotics, amino/organic acids, dextrans etc. Also for food and beverage applications such as dairy, gums, sugar etc. the module is a popular choice.
The M38L/H module is available with plates having low (L) or high (H) channels and in various standard sizes defined by a membrane area up to max. 60 m² .
The module can operate at temperatures up to 80°C, pressures up to max 10 bar and pH between 1 and 14. It can be equipped with the entire range of flat sheet membranes available from Alfa Laval for ultrafiltration and microfiltration.
Benefits
- low energy consumption
- standard modules with membrane areas up to 60 m²
- operation at low pressure
- rugged yet flexible stainless steel and polymer construction
- open channel design for handling of wide range of viscosities
- easy and inexpensive exchange of membranes on site
- accurate production up-scaling by increasing size or number of modules
- sanitary design with all materials in compliance with FDA and EEC regulations
How it works
The plate-and-frame module from Alfa Laval is designed with open channels across the membrane surface. The feed stream/retentate flows through these.
The membrane itself is supported by hollow plates with numerous slots that allow the permeate to collect and be removed from the module via the permeate collecting tubes.
Plate-and-frame modules use the membrane itself, aided by lock rings or strips, to seal off the feed/retentate from mixing into the permeate channels. This also prevents any leaks from the plate stack itself.
Due to the design of the plate-and-frame modules from Alfa Laval, individual membranes can be replaced without affecting the other membranes of the module.
Customized solutions through flexible design
Alfa Laval membrane equipment is designed on a modular basis that gives a high degree of flexibility, as membranes are built into modules, modules are built into loops and loops are built into systems.
The design of a system can thus be customized to meet any process needs and it is easy to expand, if production requirements increases. This means that your investment can follow any required increase in production capacity, as and when you need it - and at a relatively low additional cost.