INDUSTRY COMPONENT

Membrane Leaves

Membrane leaves are semi-permeable sheets used in reverse osmosis systems to separate dissolved solids from water through pressure-driven filtration.

View Specifications

Component Specifications

Definition
Membrane leaves are the active filtration elements within spiral-wound RO membrane modules, consisting of multiple layers including a semi-permeable polyamide active layer, polysulfone support layer, and feed spacer. These leaves are wound around a central permeate tube to create high-surface-area filtration modules that remove 95-99% of dissolved salts, organic molecules, and microorganisms from feed water under pressures of 150-1200 psi.
Working Principle
Membrane leaves operate on the principle of reverse osmosis, where hydraulic pressure exceeding the osmotic pressure of the feed solution forces water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane while rejecting dissolved ions, molecules, and particles. The asymmetric membrane structure allows water passage while blocking contaminants through size exclusion, charge repulsion, and diffusion limitations.
Materials
Thin-film composite polyamide active layer (0.2-0.4 μm) on polysulfone microporous support (40-50 μm), polyester non-woven fabric backing (120-150 μm), polypropylene feed spacer, and polysulfone permeate carrier. Materials are selected for chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and fouling resistance.
Technical Parameters
  • pH Range 2-11
  • Water Flux 15-45 L/m²·h
  • Active Area 7-41 m²
  • Salt Rejection 99.0-99.8%
  • Temperature Range 0-45°C
  • Chlorine Tolerance <0.1 ppm
  • Membrane Thickness 160-240 μm
  • Operating Pressure 150-1200 psi
Standards
ISO 11245, ISO 15848, DIN 19605, ASTM D4194, ASTM D6908

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Membrane Leaves.

RO membrane leaves reverse osmosis membranes water filtration components spiral wound membranes desalination membranes industrial filtration membrane technology water treatment components Membrane Leaves Membrane Leaves in Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

RO Membrane Elements

The core filtration component in a reverse osmosis system that separates dissolved solids and contaminants from water.

View Product Details

Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation
  • Membrane fouling and scaling
  • Chemical degradation from oxidants
  • Mechanical damage from pressure spikes
  • Biological contamination
  • Performance degradation over time
  • Incompatible cleaning chemicals
FMEA Triads
Trigger: Inadequate pretreatment allowing scaling minerals to reach membrane surface
Failure: Reduced water flux and increased pressure requirements
Mitigation: Implement proper water softening, antiscalant dosing, and regular cleaning cycles
Trigger: Oxidant exposure (chlorine, ozone) degrading polyamide active layer
Failure: Loss of salt rejection capability and membrane integrity
Mitigation: Install dechlorination systems, maintain oxidant levels below 0.1 ppm, use antioxidant treatments
Trigger: Biological growth in feed water due to inadequate disinfection
Failure: Biofouling leading to increased pressure drop and reduced efficiency
Mitigation: Implement UV sterilization, chlorination/dechlorination systems, and regular biocide treatments

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Interchangeable Parts

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance
±5% on salt rejection, ±10% on water flux, dimensional tolerance ±2% on all critical dimensions
Test Method
ASTM D4194 for salt rejection testing, ASTM D6908 for flux testing, ISO 11245 for material compatibility, and manufacturer-specific performance validation protocols

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

Not customer reviews or live demand data. These dimensions support RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation
4/5
Manufacturing capability
4/5
Inspection readiness
5/5
Supplier transparency
3/5

These scores are example evaluation dimensions, not real customer ratings, country-specific buyer feedback, or live inquiry activity.

Related Components

Inspection Frame
Structural support component in automated fabric inspection systems that holds cameras, sensors, and lighting for defect detection.
Machine Frame
The rigid structural foundation of a CNC wood router that provides stability, vibration damping, and precision alignment for cutting operations.
pH Sensor Assembly
Precision pH sensor assembly for automated monitoring and dosing systems in industrial applications
Load Cell Assembly
Precision load cell assembly for automated powder dispensing systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical lifespan of membrane leaves in industrial RO systems?

Membrane leaves typically last 3-7 years in industrial applications, depending on feed water quality, pretreatment effectiveness, operating conditions, and maintenance practices. Proper cleaning and monitoring can extend membrane life.

How do membrane leaves differ from other filtration membranes?

Membrane leaves are specifically designed for reverse osmosis applications with tighter pore sizes (0.0001 μm) compared to ultrafiltration (0.01-0.1 μm) and microfiltration (0.1-10 μm) membranes, enabling removal of dissolved ions and small molecules rather than just suspended particles.

What causes membrane leaf fouling and how is it prevented?

Fouling occurs from scaling (mineral deposits), organic accumulation, biological growth, and colloidal particles. Prevention includes proper pretreatment (softening, filtration, disinfection), maintaining optimal flow rates, regular cleaning with appropriate chemicals, and monitoring performance parameters.

Can I contact factories directly?

Yes, each factory profile provides direct contact information.

Data Basis

CNFX manufacturer profiles, technical classification, publicly available product information, and ongoing plausibility checks.

Preliminary Technical Classification
This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Request Manufacturing Insight for Membrane Leaves

Media Support Grid Membrane Surface