3M™ Liqui-Cel™ SP Series Membrane Contactor

3M™ Liqui-Cel™ SP Series Membrane Contactor

- Utilizes hollow fiber membrane that is impermeable to chemically compatible liquids, yet gas permeable enabling efficient dissolved gas removal

- Ideal for use with compatible solutions containing organic solvents and surfactants, such as inks, coatings, photo resists, emulsions and plating solutions

- Range of flow capacities from point of use to bulk fluid processing

Highlights

- Utilizes hollow fiber membrane that is impermeable to chemically compatible liquids, yet gas permeable enabling efficient dissolved gas removal

- Ideal for use with compatible solutions containing organic solvents and surfactants, such as inks, coatings, photo resists, emulsions and plating solutions

- Range of flow capacities from point of use to bulk fluid processing

- Materials of construction compatible with many chemistries

- Compact, in-line operation may help simplify the degassing process and save space

Commonly used to removed bubbles and dissolved gases from liquids with low surface tensions, our 3M™ Liqui-Cel™ SP Series Membrane Contactors use a non-porous, gas-permeable hollow fiber. This membrane technology makes it possible to degas and debubble compatible solutions containing surfactants or organic solvents.

Commonly used to remove bubbles and dissolved gases from liquids with low surface tensions

Commonly used to removed bubbles and dissolved gases from liquids with low surface tensions, our 3M™ Liqui-Cel™ SP Series Membrane Contactors use a non-porous, gas-permeable hollow fiber. This membrane technology makes it possible to degas and debubble compatible solutions containing surfactants or organic solvents.

Many processes using liquids containing organic solvents and surfactants require degassing and bubble removal. Ink jet printers degas inks to prevent nozzle misfires and poor drop formation that could lead to printer downtime, maintenance and poor print quality. In ink production, SP series membrane contactors are installed in filling steps to help prevent foaming. Similar to ink jet printing, entrained air can negatively impact other production processes, such as processes using compatible monomers, paper coatings, photoresists, developers, emulsions and plating solutions by causing defects or process interruptions.

The SP series offers a simple, inline solution to help keep printers and production lines running. Products are available in a variety of materials to handle flow rates from as low as 5 ml/min to 30 gpm (6.8 m3/hr) in a single unit.

Learn more about 3M™ Liqui-Cel™ (PDF, 1.28 Mb)

Potential Applications

• Debubbling compatible ink jet inks on printers to help reduce risk of quality defects, printer downtime and maintenance
• Degassing inks to help reduce foaming potential during filling operation
• Dissolved gas removal from compatible wet bench process solutions containing organic solvents and/or surfactants to help protect product yields
• Bubble removal from coatings, plating solutions and similar liquids to help reduce risk of surface defects

Learn more about 3M™ Liqui-Cel™ for Ink Debubbling (PDF, 490.4 Kb)

Learn more about 3M™ Liqui-Cel™ for Gas Control

About 3M™ Liqui-Cel™ Membrane Contactors
3M™ Liqui-Cel™ Membrane Contactors provide efficient dissolved gas control in a compact design. Capable of adding gases to or removing dissolved gases from compatible liquid streams, these gas transfer devices utilize hollow fiber membrane technology that may help facilities around the world improve operating efficiency, performance and protect product quality.

The presence of dissolved gases, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and other non-condensable gases can cause a number of difficulties. Process interruptions, yield loss, corrosion, surface defects, unreliable measurement readings, poor product quality, higher operating costs and equipment inefficiency are a few examples of challenges faced by various industries when dissolved gases and air bubbles are not consistently controlled.

The 3M™ Liqui-Cel™ Membrane Contactor product offering includes products made with various materials of construction and a wide-range of flow capacities to meet process and application requirements. Their modular nature makes them easy to incorporate into systems with lower weight and less space than other conventional technologies, such as vacuum towers or forced draft deaerators. 3M™ Liqui-Cel™ Membrane Contactors do not require chemicals in operation and can be an effective alternative to chemical treatment options, such as oxygen scavengers in boiler feedwater or caustic/acid in reverse osmosis (RO) and other deionization systems. This may be particularly advantageous for facilities that want to reduce on-site chemical use as part of their sustainability goals.

How 3M™ Liqui-Cel™ Membrane Contactors Membrane Contactors Work
3M™ Liqui-Cel™ Membrane Contactors utilize microporous or non-porous, semi permeable hollow fiber membrane that is placed inside a contactor housing. In our EXF, SP, and MM-0.5x1 and MM-0.75x1 series membrane contactors, liquid flows around the outside of the hollow fiber membrane while a vacuum and/or sweep gas is applied to the inside of the hollow fiber during operation. In our other MM series membrane contactors liquid and gas flows are opposite: liquid flows inside of the hollow fiber membrane while a vacuum and/or sweep gas is applied to the outside of the hollow fiber.

Applying a vacuum or sweep gas creates a difference in the gas concentration levels between the inside (lumenside) and outside (shellside) of the hollow fiber membrane. This concentration difference is what drives rapid and efficient dissolved gas transfer.

Specifications