Technical Expertise Supporting Microza® Performance

The high performance and durability of Microza® are supported by Asahi Kasei's technical expertise. Numerous advanced technologies are integrated, including proprietary membrane formation methods, pore size control, double-skin structure, and designs compatible with backwashing and chemical cleaning.

Technical Expertise Supporting Microza® Performance

Asahi Kasei's Technical Expertise Supports Industrial Operations

Microza® is more than just a "membrane." It features robustness for stable long-term operation under demanding conditions, a variety of membrane materials and pore sizes, and high maintainability enabled by backwashing, among other technical and scientific advantages.

Advanced Membrane Fabrication Technology and Pore Size Control

One of Microza®'s core technologies is its membrane fabrication method. While PVDF membranes are commonly produced using the NIPS method (non-solvent induced phase separation), Microza® utilizes the TIPS method (thermally induced phase separation). This achieves high chemical resistance, durability, and strength over extended periods.

  • Benefits of the TIPS Method
    By adopting the TIPS method, the risk of leakage is greatly reduced even in harsh chemical environments such as oxidizers, alkalis, and strong acids. Improved crystallinity within the material enhances resistance to friction and mechanical stress. As a result, water permeability deteriorates more slowly during long-term operation, providing significant economic benefits by reducing maintenance frequency.
  • Precise Control of Pore Size Distribution
    A proprietary membrane formation process minimizes pore size variation between production lots. This maintains sharp separation accuracy and stable filtration performance. Uniform filtration quality is also ensured in large-scale plants, making it easier to maintain product consistency.

Double-Skin Structure Achieves Both High Filtration Performance and Durability (UF Membranes)

The risk of hollow fiber membrane damage directly affects stable plant operation, making reliability in durability extremely important. Microza®'s double-skin structure places skin layers (separation function layers) on both the inner and outer surfaces, providing significantly greater damage resistance compared to single-skin membranes.

  • Mechanism of the Double-Skin Structure
    The double-skin structure forms ultra-thin layers on both the inner and outer surfaces of the hollow fiber membrane, achieving both high separation capability and abrasion resistance. If the inner surface is damaged, the outer membrane still functions, preventing immediate leakage.
Illustration of Microza® Double-Skin Structure
Table. Comparison of Double-Skin and Single-Skin Membranes
Comparison Item Single-Skin Membrane Double-Skin Membrane
Structure Separation layer only on the inner surface Separation layers on both inner and outer surfaces
Damage Resistance Low High
Leak Risk High Low
Backwashability Risk of damage under reverse pressure Backwashable

Enhanced Maintainability Through Backwashing, Chemical Cleaning, and Data Utilization

Excellent maintainability is essential for reducing membrane system running costs. Microza® enables safe and efficient backwashing and chemical cleaning through its double-skin structure and high-strength hollow fibers. Additionally, maintenance is further improved by optimizing replacement timing based on proprietary data and membrane analysis.

  • Backwashable Membrane Design
    Reverse pressure cleaning during system shutdown removes contaminants accumulated on the membrane surface. Setting a backwash cycle minimizes the decrease in water permeability during operation.
  • Proven Chemical Cleaning Performance and Broad pH Resistance
    Applicable to a wide range of cleaning agents, including acids, alkalis, and chlorine-based cleaners. High recovery rates of water permeability after cleaning enable longer membrane life. Products are also available that withstand chlorine cleaning for RO membrane pretreatment.
  • Analytical Support for Stable Operation
    Asahi Kasei analyzes the performance of used membranes to accurately determine replacement timing. This contributes to overall reductions in manufacturing and disposal costs.

Learn More Reasons for Selection

Optimal Filtration Solutions with Broad and Flexible Options

With a lineup of over 200 types of hollow fiber membranes and expert engineering support, Microza® quickly proposes optimal solutions tailored to your challenges and applications.

Reason 1 for Choosing Microza®: Broad and Flexible Filtration Solutions for Optimal Results

Reliable Long-Term Stable Operation and Ongoing Support

Microza® not only offers long service life but also provides comprehensive ongoing support after product implementation, ensuring long-term and stable operation of your processes.

Reason 2 for Choosing Microza®: Reliable Long-Term Stable Operation and Ongoing Support

Environmental Technology for Sustainability

Microza® provides innovative solutions that support reduced environmental impact and efficient use of water resources. It helps address ESG, SDGs, and environmental regulations, contributing to the achievement of social responsibility.

Reason 3 for Choosing Microza®: Environmental Technology for Achieving Sustainability

For More Information on Microza®, Click Here

Products

View the Microza® product lineup. Check the features, physical property tables, and detailed service information for each product.

Microza® Product Information

Solutions

Microza®'s advanced membrane technology brings innovation to a wide range of fields, including pharmaceuticals, food, and chemical industries. Details by application and industry are available here.

Microza® Solutions