PES membrane technology for filtration
PES microporous membrane technology consists of a unique asymmetric pore structure that enables controlled rejection at the surface while promoting maximum throughput of the membrane. These hydrophilic membranes have high flow rates, good pH resistance, and low protein and drug binding characteristics, making this technology ideal for many nanofiltration and ultrafiltration applications.
These semi-permeable membranes are available in a flat sheet configuration at pore sizes ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 microns. The product conforms to 3-A, FDA, and USDA sanitary standards.
Material options
Polyethersulfone (PES) is used for the fabrication of nanofiltration & ultrafiltration membranes due to its chemical stability and mechanical & thermal resistance.
Its superior flow rate, high throughput, and low protein and drug binding functions make it ideal for hemodialysis, blood apheresis, blood glucose testing, sterile pharmaceutical filtration, lateral flow assays, infusion therapy, and microbial analysis among other areas.
Porex uses many other polymers across its various porous technologies. We work closely with your engineering team to define your specifications and select the most appropriate porous polymer for your application. For more information across our various porous technologies, click here.
Physical properties:
Below is a chart illustrating the physical properties of PES versus other polymers used in porous media.
| Polymer | Pore Sizes (microns) | Pore Volume (%) | Operating Temperature (◦F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyethersulfone (PES) | 0.01 to 0.1 | n/a | 130 |
| Polyethylene (PE) | 5 to 250 | 25-60 | 180 |
| Polypropylene (PP) | 100 to 300 | 30-40 | 250 |
| Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) | 20 to 30 | 30-40 | 300 |
| Polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) | <1 to 60 | 30-70 | 400 |
| Track-Etched Membrane (PET) | 0.02 to 8 | n/a | 350 |
Chemical properties:
Polyethersulfone (PES) membrane is transparent and amorphous in structure, exhibiting superior oxidative, thermal, and hydrolytic strength in both hot and wet environments. It is one of the most well-known materials used in ultrafiltration, microfiltration, and gas separation applications.
Below is a chart illustrating the chemical compatibility of PES versus other common polymers used in porous media:
| Chemicals | PES | PE | PP | PTFE | PVDF | TEM (PET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acids (non-oxidizing) | Fair-Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Poor |
| Bases | Good | Good | Good | Good | Poor | Poor |
| Oils | Fair-Good | Fair-Good | Fair-Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Aromatic solvents | Good | Poor | Poor | Good | Good | Fair-Good |
| Non-polar aliphatic solvent | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good |
| Polar-aprotic solvents | Good | Fair-Good | Fair-Good | Good | Poor | Good |
| Polar-Protic solvents | Fair-Good | Fair-Good | Fair-Good | Good | Good | Poor |
| Halogenated solvent | Good | Poor | Poor | Good | Good | Fair-Good |
| Oxidizing agents | Fair-Good | Poor | Poor | Good | Good | Fair-Good |
Geometric options:
- Standard sheets or rolls ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 microns