2 to 4 times higher permeability
Enhanced rejection
2 to 8 times lower fouling
BPM membranes are made by forming a thin selective layer on a hollow fibre substrate with a unique formulation of bio-materials to yield enhanced water permeability and highly selective characteristics.
WATCH VIDEOTo drastically enhance performances in 3 areas of water separation membranes for higher Capacity (permeability), higher Selectivity (Rejection) and lower Fouling. Prof. Wang Rong of SMTC, NTU/NEWRI, led a team who in 2018 pulled off a worlds first in developing a method of making membrane with
2 to 4 times higher permeability
Enhanced rejection
2 to 8 times lower fouling
Inspired by the cellular walls in nature, the team researched and developed the Bio-Programmable Membrane Technology; where a bio-material formulation, derived from inert cellular materials, was applied onto a polymeric hollow-fiber substrate, to form a thin but highly permeable and selective barrier layer.
The BPM Technology is today used to manufacture membranes of different characteristics through the application of different bio-material formulations; enabling the production of a variety of Reverse Osmosis (RO), Nanofiltration (NF) and Forward Osmosis (FO) membranes.
In order to prepare high efficient BPM membrane, we first need to make high-performance hollow fiber membrane filaments. A variety of new polymer materials are used to prepare the casting liquid and core liquid through the spinneret at the same time out, after the air bath, the casting liquid into the coagulation bath for the formation of film filaments. The hollow fiber filaments with high pressure resistance, high flux and high rejection provide a solid foundation for the fabrication of BPM membranes.
Active biomolecules have been introduced to control the formation of nanofiltration films by interfacial polymerization and layer-by-layer self-assembly. This biomolecule can regulate the nano-structure of the film, so the film can provide more water molecular channels, thus greatly increasing the flux of the film.
By adjusting the formulation of the biomimetic material, which mimics the function of cell membranes, the H2MO team has developed a range of membrane products based on BPM that have different functional properties and application scenarios.
BPM-RO operates at a pressure 2-4 times lower than conventional RO membranes, thus consuming far less energy.
Operating under low pressure and its unique hollow-fibre membrane structure greatly reduces fouling, scaling and blockage on the membrane surface, thus requiring far less cleaning.
Low-pressure operations only require normal pumps, equipment and components, reducing system investment costs.
Each BPM-RO is housed in its own individual casing, making detection, identification and change of faulty membranes far simpler.
Unique hollow-fibre membrane structure ensures more efficient flushing of contaminants –reducing fouling and the need for frequent chemical cleaning, thus lowering cleaning cost and extending useful membrane lifespan.
