Semi-permeable membranes - Crossflow microfiltration membranes

A tangential microfiltration membrane is a porous, organic or inorganic, isotropic or anisotropic (asymmetric) artificial membrane. Under special conditions, it can be used to perform face filtration. On the other hand, a membrane designed for and installed in a front microfiltration element cannot be used for tangential microfiltration.

In all cases, the active layer contains macropores. Its mechanical strength is generally sufficient to constitute the membrane. In the case of thick membranes, the pores are of the tortuous type, while in the case of thin membranes, the pores are capillary holes. However, some membranes are of the composite type, with an active layer supported by a more porous, mechanically resistant layer. The overall thickness ranges from around 10 to 150 µm.