SiCaM project: Production of SiC membranes and application tests

As part of the joint project SiCaM – “Efficient production of compact, modular stacks of silicon carbide membranes”, possibilities are to be created to suitably connect the ceramic membranes and provide them with appropriate connections that enable scalable integration into membrane modules and membrane systems. This is carried out by experts in plastics technology (Eitech Werkzeugbau GmbH) and modular construction (WTA UNISOL GmbH).

In the Fraunhofer IKTS sub-project “System design, simulation, production of SiC membranes and application tests”, investigations are being carried out into flow behavior and mechanical stability. This is done both through practical tests and by simulating the flow and strength behavior. The project partners will be provided with suitable SiC membranes to support the development of connections and integration into membrane modules as well as the planned application tests in water treatment. The application tests are supported by tests with model media, the determination of optimum operating parameters and the development of suitable strategies for membrane cleaning and backwashing.

The main objective of the SiCaM joint project is to develop an efficient production process for membrane stacks made of silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic membranes and thus enable their use for separation tasks in water treatment. This also includes the completion of the entire system. Only with such a system can the broad use of ceramic membranes in submerged applications be realized.

The advantages of ceramic membrane systems compared to polymeric membranes lie in their structural material properties (chemical and thermal resistance), which can thus be fully utilized. This requires fundamental investigations at both material science and process engineering level.

Submerged applications in filtration technology often enable significantly more energy-efficient operation, as no pumps are required for targeted overflow of the membranes. However, the limited driving force (negative pressure on the permeate side) limits the application to micro- and ultrafiltration. Ceramic membranes also represent an alternative to known polymer membranes in this area.