State-of-the-Art Technology for a Complete Solution

Ceramic Membrane

GEA Filtration is a world leader in cross-flow membrane filtration, with reverse osmosis and nano-, ultra-, and micro-filtration as core technologies.

GEA ceramic membranes are ideally suited for value-added or sanitary products, as well as applications requiring selective separations from fluid streams that contain aggressive components such as solvents.

Technology and function of ceramic membrane elements

Ceramic Membranes

Ceramic Membranes

Dynamic filtration using ceramic membrane elements allows for the maximum mechanical and chemical stability, coupled with the lowest possible flow resistance.  Membranes are constructed using a support made of pure α-Al2O3 with a macroporous structure. The membrane is applied to this support material and consists of at least one, but usually several, layers of highly porous ceramic, with a precisely defined texture. The layer with the finest porosity determines the filtration characteristics.

GEA offers a broad, application-specific range of membranes and element geometries with rated pore sizes of 1 to 1400 nanometers making them ideal for use in microfiltration and ultrafiltration processes. 

The superb properties of such membrane elements are used successfully in GEA filter systems worldwide:

  • Inert material
  • Acid and lye resistant
  • Solvent-resistant
  • Regenerative
  • Backflush capability
  • Wear-resistant
  • Long service life
  • Reliable
  • Heat-resistant, steam-sterilizable

The ceramic multi-channel element

The body of the basic module, the ceramic multi-channel element, is manufactured using highly porous ceramic material with several round channels running parallel to its longitudinal axis, with the membrane mounted on the surface.

The feed material flows into the channels along the membrane.  A partial stream then passes through the membrane as filtrate and is discharged by the carrier material. The very high permeability makes the pressure loss on passing through the carrier so low that it is negligible compared with the pressure drop when passing through the extremely thin membrane.

GEA Insights

Josep Masramón and his daughter stand in front of their GEA batch milking installation.

How batch milking supports sustainable dairy farming

The latest evolution in automated milking introduces batch milking – a dairy farming practice where cows are milked in groups at fixed milking times, usually two or three times per day. The automation technology is helping to...

GEA supports clean water projects in Tanzania

Access to safe water and sanitation is still a challenge in a lot of countries. Illness from dirty drinking water and daily treks to fetch it, mean many children cannot attend school. Thanks to a collaboration with Hamburg-based...

GEA employees are people with purpose

In pursuit of its core mission – Engineering for a better world – GEA is building an employer of choice culture that offers employees the opportunity to reimagine solutions, collaborate across disciplines and contribute to a...

Receive news from GEA

Stay in touch with GEA innovations and stories by signing up for news from GEA.

Contact us

We are here to help! With just a few details we will be able to respond to your inquiry.