FOOD AND BEVERAGE
N.T. Page 1
Using the NUMEM 293mm
Filtration Skid
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
N.T. Page 2
CROSS SECTION
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
N.T. Page 3
FRONT VIEW
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
N.T. Page 4
Introduction
This chapter describes the NUMEM MACHINE. Topics include what the NUMEM
MACHINE does and how it works. This chapter also includes a brief description of the
MACHINE filtration machine components and process capabilities.
What the NUMEM Does
The NUMEM filtration is a unique solid-liquid separation device that delivers high-
concentration retentates oscillating process. As a liquid is pumped through a stack of
filtration membranes, the membrane stack oscillates, creating high-shear conditions at the
membrane surface.
The high shear at the membrane surface facilitates the separation process. The design of the
NUMEM filtration machine is such that it can produce these high-shear conditions with low
energy input. In addition, the low retentate circulation rates provide a gentle separation
process.
You can integrate the NUMEM filtration into your existing process, in which case, your
existing process equipment provides the feed and flow control.
You can also use the NUMEM filtration machine with a NUMEM control skid. The
NUMEM control skid provides the tanks, pumps, piping, and control instrumentation to
feed liquids into the filtration skid and recover or recirculate the filtrate and retentate.
Depending on system or space requirements, a separate tank skid may be constructed and
connected to the system, or the tank may be a part of the control skid.
The NUMEM control skid may include either a Flowrox peristaltic hose pump ,Vertical
multistage centrifugal pumps,Progresivity cavity or an appropriate pump for high-
pressure process applications.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
N.T. Page 5
Filter Stack and Media
The filter stack consists of plates membrane with 20 layers of filter membranes sandwiched
in between spacers and gaskets.
The filter stack is the active site of concentration and fluid separation. The oscillating action
of the Numem generates shear at the membrane surface to maximize the desired process
separation.
Piping
Feed Lines
The stainless steel feed lines are attached to the housing base and using sanitary fittings.
Permeate Line
The permeate line exits from the bottom of themachine. Permeate (that portion of the feed
stream that passed through the membrane) leaves the membrane housing assembly by
flowing into the hollow center .
Retentate Lines
The retentate lines exit from the side of the housing base. They provide an outlet for the
concentrated feed stream to leave the housing.
Process Capabilities
The NUMEM filtration skid is designed to operate within these specifications:
Operating Pressure—14 bar maximum feed pressure. We could design for more pressure
Operating Flow Rates—Retentate flow is typically 230 l/m maximum. Permeate flow rate
will depend upon the specific production application.
Operating Temperature—70° C maximum process fluid temperature.
Frecuency 60Hz and Amplitude—19mm at 609.6mm. The frecuency is variable but the
amplitude is not.
Operating pH—2-13 for PTFE and PES membranes, and 3-10 for NF membranes.
We could supply many others membrane
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
N.T. Page 6
Introduction
These instructions provide information on the basic requirements for the installation of a
NUMEM filtration skid. Install this unit under the supervision of the appropriate personnel
from NUMEM.
Determining a Suitable Location
The attached engineering drawings describe the dimensions of the NUMEM MACHINE
SKID. Dimensions are 452mm x 452mm x 986mm. Typical installations require a 2m x 2m
area, but that can vary considerably depending upon the application.
Provide electrical service from a nearby, approved, power safety disconnect switch rated at
230 VAC, 3-phase, 60 Hz, with four wires (one of which is a ground) carrying a 20 A supply
(or 220/380/440 volts, 50 Hz and 3-phase for use in Europe).
Facility and Environmental Requirements
The unit (with the filter stack installed) weighs about 300 pounds.
Gather Special Tools
Gather the following equipment:
Appropriate tanks, pump, and temperature control devices may require installation.
Forklift with a capacity of 4,000 lbs.
Preparing Utilities and Hardware
Heat Exchanger Supply Requirements (optional)
A heat exchanger can be used to control the temperature of your process stream to heat or
cool the fluid during a concentration process or cleaning cycle. Use either steam, cold water
or glycol to achieve the heating or cooling effect desired.
System Electrical Input Requirements
Model NUMEM MARK1 : 1-phase, 230 VAC, 50 or 60 Hz,
NUMEM electrical specification: 230V, 60 Hz, 1-phase, 20 Amp
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
N.T. Page 7
Process Interconnections to the NUMEM MARK 1
Feed inlet -1 ½ in [38.1mm] Sanitary Clamp.
Retentate outlet – 1 ½ inch[38.1mm] Sanitary Clamp.
Permeate outlet -1 ½ inch[38.1] Sanitary Clamp.
Introduction
Overview of the Complete System
The NUMEM OSCILLATION DRIVER is pending patent, membrane-based filtration
technology that provides the ability to accomplish separations that are not efficiently or
effectively possible with conventional cross flow membrane systems.
The NUMEM TECHNOLOGY [N.T.] efficiently generates mechanical shear with
oscillation, rather than by pumping high volumes of re-circulating fluid across the
membrane, as is typical in a cross flow systems. The oscillation disc filter stack membrane
surface with a spacer mounting on standard housing.
The surface shear created by the NUMEM OSCILLATION process prevents fouling of the
membrane and allows the system to produce retentate streams with high-solid
concentrations, that is, desired materials penetrate the membrane at a high flow rate.
N.T.filtration is a pressure driven filtration technique in which a solution is force through a
porous membrane.Some of the dissolved solids are held back because their molecular size or
combine molecular is too large to allow them to pass through, the size depending upon
membranenes used and the frequency of the oscillation. This is important for critical
separations during both production processing, and especially during membrane cleaning
and CIP (clean-in-place).
Benefits of the NUMEM System
The N.T. provides new opportunities for efficient and effective separations, with up to 22
times the shear with far less energy consumption than conventional cross flow systems.
The enhanced ability to clean the N.T.System allows for quick and efficient recovery of the
membrane both during processing and for subsequent production runs.
Since all the oscillation energy is focused on the membrane surface, very little energy is lost
to the bulk fluid, thus the N.T. low-operating energies achieve high-energy efficiency. This
makes the N.T. technology applicable for:
Low-solid applications that are typically handled by cross flow systems.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
N.T. Page 8
High-solid applications, which cannot be handled by static cross flow systems (and are
usually handled by centrifuges and filtration systems that use a filter aid pre-coat such as
rotary vacuum filters).
High pressure application, which are typically handled by filter press system.
High temperature that are handled by evaporator
Membrane Types Used
We are testing microporous membrane like
1- PTFE
2- PES
3- POLYCARBONATE
4- CELLULOSE ACETATE
Most N.T. applications use a microporous PTFE membrane,PES membrane, UF or a
nanofiltration thin-film composite membrane material offering high throughput, and in most
cases, a simple clean-up procedure.
Methods of Developing Shear
Shear is one of the most important criteria for most membrane separations.
Generating Shear via Conventional Cross Flow
In conventional cross flow systems the maximum velocity, and the maximum shear is
centered in the middle of the membrane channel. This is similar to a pipe, where the
maximum velocity and flow is in the center of the pipe.
As the flow approaches the pipe or channel wall, velocity and flow decrease significantly,
often reaching laminar conditions. There is much less shear at the wall of the channel than in
the center of the channel. The only way to increase shear at the surface is to increase the rate
of pumping through the entire channel, however, all of the velocity and shear in the center
of the channel is wasted energy.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
N.T. Page 9
How N.T. Develops OSCILLATION Shear
In short, shear on the N.T. is created by gear box. The goal of this design is to maximize the
oscillation frequency of disc [in the filter housing] and provide optimal shear at the
membrane surface.
On the N.T. filtration skid, the membrane stack [609.6mm dia] oscillates at 19.05mm
amplitud(is not variable), the frequency is variable [0 to 80hz]. Because the actual membrane
is moving with respect to the fluid in the channel, the shear rate is very high at the
membrane surface. The shear generated in the N.T. is actually app. 22 times greater than
found in conventional cross flow systems. Higher shear usually results in higher flow, or
much more consistent flow, because the pores remain open longer for filtration. The
cleaning is easier and less frecuent.
Benefits of N.T. Oscillating Shear
Higher shear usually results in higher flow, or much more consistent flow, because the pores
remain open longer for filtration. The cleaning is easier and less frecuent. The N.T.’s unique
oscillation separates the shear rate from the pumping, velocity, and pressures needed for
adequate cross flow. By using the N.T; the shear rate is an independent variable that is no
longer dependent on cross flow velocity. For critical separations the independent operating
pressure and cross flow velocity allow for the selection of the best operating pressure for
optimum product passage.
In addition, because this cross flow velocity is separated from the shear at the membrane
surface, channel height in a membrane configuration is no longer critical.
This allows for high solids feed, reduced pre-filtration requirements (more feed debris to be
present), but the real benefit is the capability of concentrating to much higher final solids
concentration. Higher concentration means higher yield for most membrane separations.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
N.T. Page 10
Machine Specifications
Materials of Construction (wetted areas) Housing: 316L Spacers and O-Rings: EPDM / Silicone / 316 SS Element Support Plate: 316L
Membrane Components 6 sq. ft. nominal per filtration layer, yielding 120 sq. ft./machine total. Element Membrane: PTFE, PES, PCTE, CELLUSE ACETATE Bonding/Sealing Materials: polyethylene, PPS, and copolymers.
Size Foot print: 452mm x 452m x 985mm Include the housing[see dwg] The are 2m x 2m
Weight Base machine +hsg: app 140kls.
Electrical – Supply by continent 230 V, 60 Hz, 1-phase, 20 Amp (US) 220/380/440 V, 50 Hz, 1-phase (Europe)
Electrical Specification – Component requirements Motor: 1 ½ HP, 1745 RPM 143 T frame, 3 phase 50/60 Hz. Input Power: 1-phase, 230 volts, 50/60 Hz, 20A
Pipe Fittings Either Swagelok or sanitary Tri-Clover fittings
Operating Specifications
Operating Pressure High Pressure Option: 14bar maximum feed pressure Standard Option: 10bar maximum feed pressure Other pressure options available.
Operating Flow Rate Ranges Retentate flow up to 250 LPM maximum. Permeate flow up to 50 LPM maximum.
Operating Temperature Maximum Process Temp.: 70° C process fluid temperature
Amplitude 20mm [at 600mm dia.] Frecuency 60hz
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
N.T. Page 11
Biocompatibility Summary for Wetted Surfaces
Polyethersulfone
Listed with National Sanitation Foundation for food-zone applications up to 250°F.
Meets FDA 21 CFR, part 177.2240 for contact with food up to 250°F.
USP Class VI plastic at 121°C, 1 hour.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Meets FDA 21 CFR, part 177.1550 for contact with food up to 250°F.
USP Class VI plastic at 121°C, 1 hour.
Polyethylene (High Density)
Meets FDA 21 CFR, part 177.1520 for contact with food up to 250°F.
USP Class VI plastic at 121°C, 1 hour.
Ethylene-Propylene Rubber (EPDM)
Meets FDA 21 CFR, part 177.2600 for contact with food up to 250°F.
Polyethylene-Terephthalate (PET)
Meets FDA 21 CFR, part 177.1630 for contact with food up to 250°F.
USP Class VI plastic at 121°C, 1 hour.
Polyphenylene Sulfide
Meets FDA 21 CFR, part 177.2490 for contact with food up to 250°F.
304/316L Stainless Steel
Generally recognized as safe.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
N.T. Page 12
Chemical Compatibility
Chemical compatibility varies depending upon the type of membrane (Table 1). Wetted parts
are constructed of 316SS.
Table 1. Chemical compatibility and operating specifications
Membrane Type
PTFE Membrane
PES Membrane
NF Membrane
Temperature Range (oC):
Continuous 70
70
70
During Cleaning 70 70 70
pH Range: Continuous
2–13
2–13
3–10
Chemical Compatibility
Weak Mineral Acids Good Good Good
Strong Mineral Acids Fair Fair Poor
Oxidants (Continuous) Good Fair Poor
Oxidants (During Cleaning) 200 ppm Cl max 200 ppm Cl max Poor
Weak Alkalis Good Good Good
Strong Alkalis 1% max 1% max 0.1% max
Alcohols Good Good Good
Ketones Poor Poor Poor
Esters Fair Fair Fair
Ethers Good Good Good
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons Poor Poor Poor
Aromatic Hydrocarbons Poor Poor Poor
Halogenated Hydrocarbons (Methyl Chloride, chloroform, etc)
Fair
Poor
Poor
Oils (vegetable, mineral, animal)
Fair-Good Fair-Good Fair-Good
Si-based Defoamers Poor Poor Poor
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
N.T. Page 13
Glossary
ARP Average Retentate Pressure: A pressure value calculated as:
ARP =
2
RETENTATEFEED PP
Where: PFEED = the feed pressure PRETENTATE = the retentate pressure
This value is calculated when the Feed Pump is running and the Permeate Valve is closed.
CF See Concentration Factor.
Concentrate The portion of the feed stream that does not pass through the membrane. See Retentate.
Concentration Factor
The degree to which the feed stream is concentrated: CF = Errore.= Errore. Where: Vo = initial volume (including holdup) Vcon = concentrated volume R= % recovery
DF Diafiltration: A process unit operations step in which tangential flow filtration occurs adding buffer to the retentate system to maintain constant volume and achieve a washing effect.
Differential Pressure
The difference between the pressure gauge readings at the inlet and the outlet of the cartridge. The higher the cartridge pressure differential the higher the flow rate at the retentate side of the membrane.
PA=Pin-Pout
Also called the Axial Pressure Drop.
Feed The fluid stream entering the ultra filtration system. Also called the feed stream.
Flux Rate at which the permeate flows through the membrane, usually expressed in gallons per square foot of membrane per day (GSFD).
Units: Errore.or Errore.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
N.T. Page 14
Gel layer A layer of highly concentrated or precipitated solids, usually of high molecular weight, adjacent to the active surface of an operating ultra filtration membrane. The gel layer permeability, rather than the membrane permeability often controls flux.
Molecular weight cutoff
The membrane specification describing the nominal rejection of a known feed solute.
NWP Normalized Water Permeability: A term referring to a measure of the porosity of a membrane.
Percent Recovery The ratio of permeate flow to feed flow.
Permeate The portion of the feed stream that passes through the membrane. See product.
PID Proportional Integral Derivative: Acronym referring to proportional-integral-derivation close loop control.
PLC Programmable Logic Controller: Acronym referring to a programmable device used for logic and sequential control.
Product recovery The volume fraction of the feed stream that becomes permeate.
R = Errore.
Pyrogen Any substance which causes a temperature rise when injected into the body, usually lipospolysaccharides (LPS).
Retentate The portion of the feed stream that does not pass through the membrane.
Recovery Rate The amount of permeate collected as a percent of the feed stream.
Rejection Rate Ratio of solute concentration in the feed stream to solute concentration in the membrane permeate stream.
Reverse osmosis A filtration process that uses pressure (above osmotic pressure) to force small molecular weight species (usually water) through a semi-permeable membrane against the concentration gradient (from the region of low concentration toward the region of higher concentration).
Tangential flow A filtration method which uses a pump to gently circulate the fluid through the membrane cassette. Tangential flow over the membrane surface minimizes concentration polarization and membrane fouling and therefore helps to optimize otherwise difficult filtration processes.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
N.T. Page 15
TP Transmembrane Pressure (TMP): A pressure valve calculated as:
TMP =
PERMEATEPERMEATE
RETENTATEFEED PARPPPP
2
Where: PFEED = the feed pressure PRETENTATE = the retentate pressure PPERMEATE = the permeate pressure ARP = Average Retentate Pressure
This value is the average pressure difference across the membrane surface and is calculated when the Feed Pump is running and the Permeate Valve is open.
Ultra Filtration A process that uses a semi-permeable membrane to separate relatively large molecular weight solutes from a feed stream.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
N.T. Page 16
Use this page for notes.