DuPont launches next generation of PES in-out UF membranes

DuPont has launched the next generation of multi-capillary PES in-out ultrafiltration (UF) membranes — DuPont Multibore PRO.

The first polymeric membrane with a completely new geometry since the seven-capillary Multibore debuted over two decades ago, DuPont Multibore PRO combines 19 bores within a single fiber to enable customers to realize both performance and sustainability benefits through the increased surface area and reduced installation area for a given flow rate target.

DuPont Multibore PRO is the newest innovation within the recently launched DuPont IntegraTec UF portfolio. Integrating technologies from three legacy brands, DuPont IntegraTec offers an extensive range of modules and rack configurations, capable of solving a wide variety of water treatment challenges by harnessing precision membrane chemistry.

“We are excited to bring forward a generational leap in polymeric membrane technology toward the goal of helping our customers more efficiently and sustainably purify, conserve and reuse water,” said Alan Chan, Global Vice President and General Manager, DuPont Water Solutions. “DuPont Multibore PRO is the world’s first multi-capillary membrane with a 19-capillary arrangement, reducing the number of modules and footprint required for water treatment.”

With more than double the capillaries, this increased membrane filtration surface area per module means fewer modules are required in water treatment installations to achieve higher productivity and efficiencies, driving value for operational expenses. UF modules equipped with Multibore PRO membranes can achieve floor footprint savings of up to 15% per rack, while also reducing both capital expenditures due to reduced rack components and assembly costs.

“Footprint size is a critical factor in the adoption and cost of water treatment plants,” said Harith Alomar, Global Marketing Leader for Desalination and Large Projects, DuPont Water Solutions. “With fewer modules required to process the same amount of water, this next generation of In-Out UF membranes is an innovative, cost-effective and reliable solution for reverse osmosis (RO) pretreatment in desalination, municipal drinking water or selected industrial applications.”

DuPont Multibore PRO membranes are optimized for feedwater with low to medium turbidity levels, allowing for the integration of greater membrane surface area within existing DuPont IntegraTec PES modules. The new membranes can be used in UF modules for vertical open platform or rack solutions, offering 95 m² of active filtration area. They can also be deployed in pressurized UF elements for horizontal use, offering 64 m² of active filtration area.

All existing product features remain unchanged; there have been no modifications to materials, modules, housings or connectors.

“After many years of development and testing, we are very excited for our customers to realize the footprint and sustainability benefits of Multibore PRO while maintaining all the primary benefits and features of the trusted Multibore platform,” said Martin Heijnen, who led the product’s research and development (R&D) for DuPont Water Solutions. “This next generation of multi-capillary PES In-Out ultrafiltration (UF) membranes will bring the benefits of high productivity, high rejection of pathogens, superior filtrate water quality, lower energy consumption, and enhanced protection of downstream processes like RO.”