Where is SiC Used?

Silicon carbide ceramic membranes are used in a wide variety of water and wastewater applications in both municipal and industrial sectors.  It's primary goal is to remove solids, toxic pollutants and pathogens, creating a safe, clean and sustainable water source.  Sic is used in applications such as drinking water, CSO Treatment, Membrane Bioreactor (MBR), RO Pre-Treatment and Water Re-Use.

Silicon carbide ceramic membranes (SiC) are submerged ultrafiltration flat-plate membranes with a pore size of 0.1 microns. They act as a physical barrier that blocks solids and pathogens, allowing clean water to pass through. The filtration process involves applying a slight vacuum to the membrane surface, pulling water through the membrane while contaminants are retained. After diamond, silicon carbide is the hardest material known to man.

One of the key advantages of SiC membranes, compared to any other organic or alumina ceramic membrane, is their natural hydrophilicity, which attracts water while repelling organic foulants. This reduces membrane fouling, improving filtration efficiency and reducing cleaning requirement. The system uses periodic back pulse washing and air scouring to dislodge accumulated solids, ensuring extended filtration cycle between chemical in place cleaning.

The SiC membranes are also chemically inert, sustaining pH between 2 to 13 and canCembrane SiC membranes, modules, stacks & towers act as a strong oxidising compound, such as ozone. They are also mechanically robust making them resistant to harsh mechanical and chemical cleanings.

Cembrane SiC membranes, modules, stacks & towers

Key benefits brought by the adoption of the Silicon carbide ceramic membranes are:

Increased flow: Get up to five times more flow out of existing rapid gravity filters (RGFs) by using Silicon carbide ceramic membranes.

• Low carbon footprint: SiC can be installed in existing tanks available on site, reducing the need to build new concrete structures.

Consistent water quality: The SiC membranes consistently produce water that meets and exceeds regulatory standards independent of feed water quality.

• Durability & reliability: After multiple years of operation, the SiC membranes show no signs of degradation and no decline of the membrane permeability, vastly improving whole-life cost.
  
  
• Operational efficiency: Low maintenance and remote monitoring capabilities minimise operational costs and staffing requirements.
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  25-year whole-life cost: The whole life cost is estimated to be significantly improved compared to the traditional alternative.