About Thin-Film Nanocomposite (TFN) Technology
What does the term "thin-film nanocomposite" mean?
The term "thin-film nanocomposite" was first used by researchers at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) who found that by encapsulating benign nanomaterial into the thin-film polyamide layer of a traditional thin-film composite membrane, they were able to increase membrane permeability compared to conventional RO membranes. NanoH2O leverages nanotechnology to further change the structure of the thin-film of a conventional RO membrane and enhance membrane performance. Benign nanoparticles are introduced during the synthesis of a traditional polymer film and are fully encapsulated when the nanocomposite RO membrane is formed.
How do nanoparticles increase membrane performance?
NanoH2O's encapsulation of benign nanoparticles changes the structure of the thin-film surface of a conventional RO membrane, allowing more water to pass through while rejecting unwanted materials such as salt. QuantumFlux membranes are 50-100% more permeable than conventional membranes while still meeting best-in-class salt rejection.
Do nanoparticles pose any potential risks to water quality?
No. NanoH2O's QuantumFlux membrane elements are completely safe for the treatment of potable water. The Qfx SW 365 ES, Qfx SW 400 ES, Qfx SW 400 SR and Qfx SW 400 R are all NSF Standard 61 certified, which means that they have been independently evaluated by NSF International, the global organization that provides standards development, product certification, auditing, education and risk management for public health and safety. NSF Standard 61 certification attests to the safety and viability of the Qfx SW 365 ES, Qfx SW 400 ES, Qfx SW 400 SR and Qfx SW 400 R membrane elements when used in the production of drinking water.
Does NanoH2O use a nanoparticle coating applied to another manufacturer's membrane?
No. NanoH2O introduces nanostructured materials into the monomers that form the polymer film manufactured solely at its El Segundo, California facility. The nanoparticles are encapsulated into NanoH2O's patented and patent-pending thin-film polyamide formulation, which makes up the top layer of the thin-film nanocomposite membrane.
QuantumFlux (Qfx) Product Specifications
Are QuantumFlux membranes similar in construction to other thin-film composite membranes?
Yes. Thin-film composite membranes consist of a layer of non-woven polyester, a cast layer of polysulfone and a 100 to 200 nanometer thin-film layer. QuantumFlux membranes encapsulate benign nanoparticles into the polyamide thin-film of a composite membrane. This technology enhances the performance and permeability of a traditional thin-film composite membrane.
Are QuantumFlux membrane elements NSF Standard 61 Certified?
Yes. Currently, the Qfx SW 365 ES, Qfx SW 400 ES, Qfx SW 400 SR and Qfx SW 400 R are all certified by NSF according to Standard 61. NanoH2O will continue to obtain NSF certification for future RO membrane elements developed for the treatment of potable water.
Installation and Use
Do QuantumFlux elements fit into standard pressure vessels?
Yes. QuantumFlux membrane elements are available in 4-inch and 8-inch spiral-wound configurations, making them easy to retrofit into standard pressure vessels. The dimensions of the Qfx core tubes are standard, and while not recommended, NanoH2O elements can physically be installed in a pressure vessel connected to competitor elements.
Can QuantumFlux elements tolerate chlorine in the feedwater?
Similar to other conventional thin-film composite membranes,
QuantumFlux membranes demonstrate some resistance to short-term chlorine (hypochlorite) exposure. The free chlorine tolerance of the membrane is < 0.1 ppm. Continuous exposure, however, may damage the membrane and should be avoided. Under certain conditions, the presence of free chlorine and other oxidizing agents will cause premature membrane failure. Since oxidation damage is not covered under warranty, NanoH
2O recommends removing residual free chlorine or other oxidants like permanganate by pretreatment prior to membrane exposure. For more information on free chlorine in feedwater, please consult the
Technical Manual.
What is the temperature range that NanoH2O modules can tolerate?
Zero to 45°C. The normal operating temperature of seawater is from 8° to 35°C.
Maintenance
Will the nanoparticles within the membrane require any special considerations regarding membrane cleaning?
No.
QuantumFlux membrane elements require the exact same cleaning procedures as do conventional thin-film composite membrane modules. Specific guidelines regarding the use of biocides, along with membrane element flushing procedures, are outlined in the
Technical Manual.
How long can NanoH2O elements be stored (or what is the "shelf life")?
NanoH2O modules can be stored at ambient temperature, protected from direct sunlight, for up to 12 months. After 12 months the modules should be inspected, and if mold or other discoloration is observed, the modules can be re-soaked in sodium bi-sulfate (SBS) and repackaged for another 12 months.
Product Availability & Service
Where are QuantumFlux membranes manufactured?
QuantumFlux membranes are formulated, developed, cast, rolled and wet-tested at the NanoH2O manufacturing headquarters in El Segundo, California (Greater Los Angeles area, USA).
Does NanoH2O wet test each membrane element before it is shipped?
Yes. NanoH2O wet tests each element at industry standard test conditions - 54 Bar, 32,000 ppm NaCl, 25°Celsius - before shipping the membrane elements to the customer facility.
Are NanoH2O Qfx elements packaged and shipped in a preservative?
Yes. After wet testing and Quality Assurance inspection, the elements are soaked in a 1% solution of sodium metabisulfite (SBS), drained and packaged in oxygen barrier bags.
What is the availability of NanoH2O elements?
For orders of less than 100 elements, NanoH2O can usually ship within two days of receipt of the order. For larger orders delivery times can be quoted based upon the quantity required. Orders of 1,000 elements or more may require a four-week lead time.
Does NanoH2O offer a 41 m2 (440 ft2) element?
NanoH2O expects to introduce a 440 square foot module in 2012.
Does NanoH2O have projection software?
Does NanoH2O have a service department to assist users?
NanoH
2O has a team of Application Engineers and Field Service Technicians who are available to support our customers’ needs. Please click
HERE to view contact information.
Does NanoH2O have automated module rolling?
All QuantumFlux modules are rolled with state-of-the-art manual manufacturing equipment. The manufacturing management team has years of experience, and the staff has been thoroughly trained to produce high quality modules. In 2012, NanoH2O will install automated rolling as part of the introduction of the Qfx 440 module.
Applications
Can I use QuantumFlux membranes in brackish water applications?
QuantumFlux membranes were originally designed for use in SWRO desalination. The membrane’s porosity, high salt rejection, and permeability are ideally suited for high pressure applications such as SWRO. Brackish water systems typically operate at lower pressures and do not contain the salt content found in a typical SWRO feed stream. Using QuantumFlux membranes in a brackish water application may not yield the type of performance that can be expected from a high-pressure SWRO system. However, NanoH2O is developing a brackish water membrane that will be available in late 2012.
Can I use QuantumFlux elements for food and dairy or other specialty applications?
QuantumFlux membrane modules are currently available in 4-inch or 8-inch spiral wound configurations designed specifically for seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination. These modules are wrapped in a fiberglass shell and are not suitable for use in food and dairy applications requiring sanitary element construction.
However, the high-flux properties of the
QuantumFlux membrane sheet make it ideally suited for a variety of applications, including dairy processing.
Contact NanoH2O today and ask about high-flux
QuantumFlux membranes for other water and process treatment applications.
