Comprehensive Overview of Nanofiltration Membrane's Technical Parameters
As a vital component in membrane separation technologies, the nanofiltration membrane is indispensable across myriad industries, with its efficiency and effectiveness dictated by a wealth of technical specifications. Below, we introduce the fundamental technical parameters that characterize this remarkable technology.
1. Molecular Weight Cut-off (MWCO): This critical parameter signifies the smallest molecular weight of the solute that the nanofiltration membrane can retain with over 90% efficiency, measured in Daltons (Da). Typically, nanofiltration membranes possess molecular weight cut-offs spanning from 100 to 1000 Da. The specific cut-off directly influences the types of substances that can be separated. For instance, a membrane with a 200 Da cut-off is proficient at capturing disaccharides and small peptides, while it selectively allows certain permeability for monosaccharides and inorganic salts.
2. Salt Rejection Rate: This parameter gauges the membrane's proficiency in retaining salt substances, expressed as a percentage. Generally, the rejection rate for monovalent ions-such as sodium and chloride-ranges from 50% to 80%, whereas for divalent and multivalent ions-like calcium and magnesium-it exceeds 90%. The salt rejection capability is influenced by factors such as the membrane's material, structural composition, operating pressure, and the concentration of raw water sources. Notably, an increase in operating pressure often enhances the salt rejection rate.
3. Water Flux: Also referred to as water permeability rate, this parameter measures the volume of water transmitted through each unit area of the membrane per hour, denoted in L/(m²·h). Water flux is interlinked with the membrane's material, pore size, operating pressure, ambient temperature, and the properties of the raw water. Typically, both elevated operating pressure and temperature enhance water flux, whereas increased pollutants in the raw water lead to decreased permeability.
4. Membrane Pore Size: The pore size of a nanofiltration membrane is strategically positioned between the capabilities of reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration membranes, typically ranging from 0.5 to 2 nanometers. Although precise measurement may be elusive, pore size is intricately connected to the molecular weight cut-off, where a smaller pore size effectively retains larger molecular weight substances, enabling fine separation.
5. Applicable pH Range: This parameter delineates the pH spectrum within which the nanofiltration membrane operates reliably and maintains optimal performance, generally ranging from 2 to 11. Exceeding this range may precipitate hydrolysis or membrane swelling, thus impairing performance and reducing longevity. For instance, under extreme acidic or alkaline conditions, the membrane's structural integrity may falter, diminishing both salt rejection rate and water flux.
6. Maximum Operating Temperature: This denotes the peak temperature at which the nanofiltration membrane can maintain its functional integrity, typically situated between 30 and 45°C. Excessive temperatures can compromise the thermal stability of membrane materials, leading to deformation, aging, and subsequent deterioration in performance, water flux reduction, and altered retention characteristics.