Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi,
I have a hollow fiber membrane. I want to check it's separation ability and my task is to set up a filteration set which is lab scale.
Can I have some suggestions for this? I would need a tank or a large flask to which I should pump my water .

Thank you.

Hi noorsoleman,

I’m assuming that you want to find out how well your membrane removes contaminants from water.
One way of conducting this kind of test is to measure the amounts of contaminants in the water. Then pass the water through the membrane and measure the amounts of contaminants again. The difference in amounts is an indication of how well the membrane works to remove the contaminants.

If the membrane has a very low porosity you might have to pump the water through it. Otherwise, you may be able to use gravity feed. The volume of water (and associated flasks or tanks) is probably dictated by the size of the membrane.

I hope this helps. Please ask again if you have more questions.

A. Norman

Thank you for the reply ! Yes it is to see how well it traps the contaminants. And it's a low porosity fiber so I have to use a pump for the water to flow through . I joined a couple of fibers together and flued them onto the ends of the fiber . I was thinking if I connect the pump to one of the sides and let the water out through the fibers I could get the treated water.