Module M39L/H

The M39L/H is one of the most popular plate-and-frame modules from Alfa Laval. A special design makes the module an excellent choice for ultrafiltration and microfiltration of highly viscous products (1-30 cP) and fermentations broths within the biotech and pharma industries as well as for food and beverage applications. Competitive parameters of this module from Alfa Laval are increase in quality and capacity combined with reduced operating and investment cost.

 Alfa Laval Module M39L/H

Improved products and processes

Ultrafiltration (UF) is unique in that it allows liquids to be separated, concentrated and purified, all at the same time. Water and low molecular-weight substances pass through the membrane whilst high molecular-weight substances are rejected.

The composite structure of our microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) membranes, consisting of a support layer for mechanical strength and a thinner selective layer for the separation, combines the best of two worlds: High mechanical strength and a high capacity/flux.

Plate-and-frame module, M39L/H

The M39L/H module from Alfa Laval is a popular choice within the biotech and pharma industries, where it is used with great success for the processing of antibiotics, amino acids/organic acid, dextrans etc. Also for food and beverage applications such as dairy, gums, protein, beer, sugar, juice etc. the module is widely used.

The M39L/H module is developed to meet the future demands for optimized flow dynamics, low energy consumption and low pressure operation. It is available with plates having low (L) or high (H) channels and in various standard sizes defined by a membrane area up to max. 60 m².

The module operates at temperatures up to 80°C, pressures up to max. 8 bar and pH between 1-14 bar. It can be equipped with the entire range of flat sheet ultrafiltration and microfiltration membranes available from Alfa Laval.

Alfa Laval PilotUnit Combi M39/M3.8

Alfa Laval PilotUnit Combi M39/M3.8The Alfa Laval PilotUnit Combi M39/M3.8 is a handy and versatile pilot-scale membrane system comprising an Alfa Laval plate-and-frame module of the type M39L/H. It is a complete system with necessary pump, filter, heat exchanger, valves, tank etc. which needs only power supply, compressed air, water and feed product to operate.

Benefits

Compared to previous module types, the M39 module from Alfa Laval offers:

  • up to 30% reduction in energy consumption
  • up to 30% increase in flux
  • up to 6 times bigger section sizes
  • all in all reduction of system price by 10-30%
  • approx. 1.5 times reduction in operation pressure
  • up to 15% increase in concentration degree
  • approx. 1.5 times bigger module sizes

Fonctionnement

M39 drawing

The plate-and-frame module from Alfa Laval is designed with open channels across the membrane surface. The feed stream/retentate flows through these.

The membrane itself is supported by hollow plates with numerous slots that allow the permeate to collect and be removed from the module via the permeate collecting tubes.

Plate-and-frame modules use the membrane itself, aided by lock rings or strips, to seal off the feed/retentate from mixing into the permeate channels. This also prevents any leaks from the plate stack itself.

Plate-and-frame membrane replacementDue to the design of the plate-and-frame modules from Alfa Laval, individual membranes can be replaced without affecting the other membranes of the module.