A hybrid technology membrane (HTM) is a membrane made of several materials to equip it with unique properties for an improved filtration process. This technology revolutionizes the water and wastewater treatment industry as it facilitates new separation processes and new filtration applications. Let us dive into the details of the hybrid technology membrane.
Hybrid membranes are a relatively new approach to manufacture new and more durable membranes for water and wastewater treatment. Opposite of one-component membranes, hybrid membranes are produced of several materials to equip them with improved properties. This ultimately leads to enhanced performance, delivering enhanced permeate quality. The HTM can, in some cases, achieve filtration processes that are simply impossible by conventional filtration technologies. Securing clean water, durable and cost-efficient, is no longer a complex process with this innovative technology.
Hybrid membranes can either be produced of polymers or ceramics. Polymeric membranes have previously been widespread due to their low manufacturing costs and easy scalability. Yet, polymer membranes lack thermal, chemical, and mechanical strength, making them incapable of handling aggressive fluids from arduous industries, such as marine, power plants, and oil and gas. Moreover, they cannot withstand frequent chemical cleaning, which is crucial to maintaining an efficient and hygienic liquid filtration process. Due to these significant drawbacks of polymer membranes, ceramic membranes offer the most durable separation processes and can take the lead in cleaning some of the world’s most polluting industries. Read more about why to use ceramic membranes here.