SiC Flat Membrane Modules

High-Flux, Hydrophilic & Anti-Fouling Silicon Carbide Ceramic Membranes

Semicorex SiC Flat Membrane Modules are manufactured from high-purity silicon carbide (SiC) powder and sintered at ultra-high temperatures to form a robust, chemically stable ceramic membrane. Thanks to the intrinsic material properties of silicon carbide, these flat membranes deliver exceptional hydrophilicity, outstanding oil rejection, and industry-leading anti-fouling performance, making them ideal for demanding water and wastewater treatment applications.

Exceptional Hydrophilicity and Oleophobic Performance

Silicon carbide exhibits a naturally extreme hydrophilic surface, with a water contact angle as low as 0.3°. This unique characteristic allows SiC flat membranes to preferentially and efficiently transport water molecules while strongly repelling oil and hydrophobic organic substances.

As a result, SiC Flat Membrane Modules achieve ultra-high pure water fluxes of up to 3200 LMH, while maintaining excellent separation efficiency. The membrane filtration accuracy can reach 20 nm, ensuring effective removal of fine particles, emulsified oil, microorganisms, and colloidal contaminants.

Superior Anti-Fouling Properties with High Surface Charge

Compared with conventional polymeric or oxide ceramic membranes, SiC flat membranes exhibit a highly negatively charged surface over a wide pH range, which is a key factor in their superior fouling resistance.

Under optimal operating conditions—such as PAC dosing that maintains system pH below 6—the membrane surface can sustain a stable zeta potential of -25 to -30 mV. This strong negative charge effectively inhibits the adhesion of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and transparent exopolymer particles (TEP).

Common negatively charged foulants in water, including bacteria, algae, MLSS, TEP, and oil substances, are difficult to attach to the membrane surface and can be easily removed through routine hydraulic backwashing or chemical cleaning. This significantly reduces irreversible fouling and extends membrane service life.

Reliable Flat Membrane Filtration Process

SiC Flat Membrane Modules operate based on a pressure-driven filtration mechanism. Wastewater flows along the membrane surface, while clean water permeates through the 0.1 μm ceramic membrane pores under a transmembrane pressure difference.

Due to the hydrophilic and oleophobic nature of silicon carbide, oil and organic contaminants are effectively rejected and retained on the feed side of the membrane. Suspended solids, pathogens, and other pollutants accumulate on the membrane surface to form a filter cake layer.

To prevent performance degradation, the system employs periodic reverse water backwashing, which efficiently removes accumulated solids and maintains stable long-term filtration performance.

Modular “Building-Block” Design for Flexible Integration

The membrane modules feature a modular, building-block assembly design, allowing adjustable spacing between individual flat membrane elements. This flexible configuration enables system optimization for different water qualities and operating conditions.

The modular design simplifies installation, maintenance, and future capacity expansion, helping reduce overall system footprint and lifecycle operating costs.

Applications

SiC Flat Membrane Modules are widely used in advanced water and wastewater treatment systems, including:

Membrane Bioreactors (MBR)

Seawater desalination pretreatment

High-standard drinking water purification

Solid–liquid separation of inorganic particles

Sludge thickening and concentration

Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) coupled dual-effect filtration for PFAS removal

Designed for Harsh Water Treatment Environments

With unmatched hydrophilicity, excellent oil rejection, strong anti-fouling performance, and a robust ceramic structure, SiC Flat Membrane Modules provide a reliable, high-flux, and long-service-life membrane solution for modern water treatment plants seeking stable operation and low maintenance costs.