Our membrane platform is a quantum leap

The deficiencies of membrane technology have been accepted as givens for over 30 years.  Any performance improvements have been incremental. Stonybrook has made a quantum leap that revolutionizes membrane-based filtration.

Conventional membranes have a number of fundamental design problems. The “scaffold” layer, which provides structural support for the thin RO/NF “working” layer, reduces porosity to 20 or 30% and increases thickness.

Stonybrook’s breakthrough is to replace this layer with a tough nanofibrous scaffold that has porosities of 80% to 90%.  But that’s not all. We’ve also developed a thinner, stronger, higher-flux NF/RO layer integrated with the scaffold in an entirely new way. How? Our patented polymerization, coating, and fiber scaffolding technologies.

Dissolved solids: eliminating the trade-offs

Our focus is on the removal of dissolved solids through two types of processes. Nanofiltration (NF), the term used in the industry for removal of solids like calcium and magnesium, and Reverse Osmosis (RO) for smaller solids like salt.

With conventional membranes, it’s always been difficult to get high-volume flow efficiently with NF and RO systems. Generally speaking the issue isn’t dirt. It’s the qualities of the membrane itself that create flow resistance. Added to this inherent slowness are fouling factors such as build-up of salts in the concentrated polarization layer. More energy is required to push the liquid through. Frequent chemical cleaning is necessary.

Before Stonybrook’s breakthrough, the trade-offs have been: gain porosity, lose structural integrity. Gain flux, increase energy use and maintenance. We make these compromises obsolete.