Of course, they do. Every filter that traps contaminants becomes covered with a layer of sediment during operation. Ceramic membranes have a number of advantages over other materials. First, silicon carbide does not react chemically and does not create conditions favorable to biological film. Therefore, contaminants do not penetrate the material and do not react with it. This significantly facilitates their removal with countercurrent flow. Second, ceramic membranes have incomparably greater chemical resistance, allowing the use of more aggressive cleaning agents without the risk of damaging the membranes. Finally, third, it is possible to restore the membranes to their factory condition, even after many years of operation. Unlike polymer membranes, there is no wear/abrasion/gradual clogging.

The unit purchase cost of ceramic membranes is higher than that of polymer membranes or sedimentation tanks/filters. However, considering their high efficiency, achieving the same performance is possible at comparable costs. The smaller footprint reduces construction costs. However, in the long run, the most important benefits are lower operating costs: lower chemical and electricity consumption, reduced water losses, and longer service life.

The membranes operate until the flow drops below a predetermined value or the filtration pressure rises above a predetermined threshold. At that point, the membranes stop operating and remove contaminants from the membrane surfaces and the tank in which they are immersed. The sludge and membrane backwash water have the same composition as the backwash water from traditional filters. They can be discharged through clarifiers into the environment or into the sewage system. Importantly, the sludge is significantly reduced, allowing for higher concentrations.

In a nutshell: ceramic membranes allow for improved water quality while using fewer resources. More precise filtration translates into lower turbidity (<0.1 NTU), unattainable with sand filters. Lower pressures mean lower energy consumption. Higher efficiency per square meter of occupied space translates into further savings in construction and subsequent maintenance. In many cases, flocculation can be omitted and coagulant dosages can be drastically reduced, significantly reducing operating costs.

Although silicon carbide is the second hardest mineral after diamond, sintered ceramic is brittle. With normal handling, the membrane plates are not likely to crack. However, care should be taken not to strike the membranes with hard objects. Cempuro units feature factory-installed protection against accidental membrane damage. Even in the event of accidental plate damage, each individual plate can be replaced.

Silicon carbide grains are fused together during baking at very high temperatures, bonding them tightly. The mineral itself is so abrasion-resistant that its most popular application is coating friction surfaces operating at high temperatures, such as the side surfaces of engine blocks or the heat shields of spacecraft.

Absolutely! We have a mobile test unit that allows us to quickly and efficiently demonstrate filtration processes and results on-site. Contact us to arrange a test date and time.