High Temperature Ultrafiltration With Kynar® Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) Membranes

Abstract

Ultrafiltration membranes prepared from KYNAR® poly(vinyli-dene fluoride) have excellent stability to high temperature and to harsh chemicals such as acids, strong oxidants, and many organic solvents. These membranes can be dried and revetted without degradation of their properties, and they can be autoclaved. Spiral-wound modules with reproducible performance have been fabricated from these membranes and used in pilot plant studies on a simulated textile sizing waste. Flux rates up to 15 gal/ft² day and retentions of 97% of the poly(vinyl alcohol) have been achieved routinely. No degradation in performance has been observed during continuous operation at 186°F and 20 to 25 psi for 7 months.