Membrana-Charlotte, a division of Celgard, is pleased to announce the launch of its new online store for membrane contactors. The store expands the company’s existing internet presence while also providing customers with a convenient channel to purchase Liqui-Cel®, SuperPhobic®, MiniModule® and MicroModule® degasification products 24 hours a day.

Initially, the store will feature products with small flow rates to accommodate customers that want the convenience of online ordering and do not require assistance designing large degassing systems. "The launch of the online membrane contactor store is in response to numerous requests we have received from our diverse customer base. Now, our customers can order many of our common products using a simple, efficient process from anywhere in the world at any time of the day," says Allen Pittman, VP for Liqui-Cel® membrane contactors.

Liqui-Cel® membrane contactors offer a modular degassing option that can be put in virtually any area. They are rapidly replacing older deaeration technologies as the product of choice in digital printing, analytical/biotechnology, semiconductor, power, pharmaceutical, photographic, food and beverage, and many other industries.

Liqui-Cel® membrane contactors utilize thousands of Celgard® microporous hollow fibers that are used around the world for adding or removing oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2) and other gases to or from different liquids. The Extra-Flow design incorporates a baffle in the middle of the contactor, which directs the liquid radially across the array. A strip gas or vacuum, either separately or in combination, is applied on the lumenside of the hollow fibers. Because of its hydrophobic nature, the membrane acts as an inert support to allow direct contact between a gas and liquid phase without dispersion. The dissolved gas in the liquid travels through the pore by applying a higher pressure to the liquid stream relative to the gas stream.

O2 negatively impacts many processes; it is corrosive and can oxidize water treatment system components. In the power and industrial areas, piping and equipment are susceptible to corrosion. In the semiconductor and ink markets, high levels of dissolved gases can cause lower yields and slower process speeds.

Liqui-Cel® contactors are also used to add gases to liquids to enhance megasonic cleaning. The beverage industry utilizes membrane contactor technology for carbonation, nitrogenation and deoxygenation. These applications are only a few examples of the many opportunities where Liqui-Cel® membrane contactors can be used for gas transfer. Membrana’s Industrial & Specialty Filtration Business also manufactures a variety of membranes and devices used for filtration in various industries and applications.