Air Products, a leader in membrane technology, has introduced the PRISM® Membrane Separators, designed to provide high-efficiency solutions for gas separation across various industries. These hollow fiber membranes offer versatility, reliability, and a range of configurations for applications including biogas upgrading, nitrogen generation, and air dehydration. Below is a breakdown of the different PRISM® membrane products, organized by their configurations, advantages, and applications.
​1. PRISM® GreenSep
​Configuration: PRISM® GreenSep membranes specialize in upgrading biogas by removing CO₂, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), and water vapor, generating high-purity methane. The system can be configured with two main variants:

• PRISM® GreenSep Flow: Optimized for high methane flow stages.
• PRISM® GreenSep Select: prioritizes methane recovery and low-power operation.

Advantages:

• High Efficiency: GreenSep membranes remove impurities with over 90% efficiency.
• Flexibility: Available in various sizes and selectivities for fine-tuned engineering.
• Modular Design: Easy scaling by adding or removing membrane modules, adaptable for different biogas flows.
• Simple Operation: passive technology with no moving parts, allowing for easy start-up and operation.
• Durability: constructed to withstand harsh environments, ensuring long-term reliability.

Applications:

• Biogas upgrading: used to produce biomethane for grid injection, vehicle refueling, or LNG production.
• High-Purity Methane: Delivers methane with up to 99.5% purity, making it suitable for various energy applications.

2. PRISM® GreenDry
​Configuration: PRISM® GreenDry membranes are engineered for the dehydration of biogas, with the industry's first membrane specifically designed for this purpose. It is available as a low-maintenance solution that removes water vapor from gas streams.
Advantages:

• Proven Technology: Based on Air Products' pioneering membrane dehydration expertise.
• Durable Construction: Aluminum shells ensure the product withstands tough field environments.
• Ease of Use: The passive system, with no moving parts, requires minimal maintenance and allows for continuous operation.

Applications:

• Biogas Dehydration: Ideal for non-upgraded biogas in Combined Heat and Power (CHP) applications and other biogas streams requiring water vapor removal.

​3. PRISM® N₂Sep
Configuration:PRISM® N₂Sep membranes separate nitrogen from compressed air for use as an inert gas. It comes in three configurations:

• PRISM® N₂Sep Flow: The standard nitrogen membrane separator.
• PRISM® N₂Sep Plus: Designed for higher product flows or increased cycling.
• PRISM® N₂Sep Select: Suitable for low-power operations where nitrogen selectivity is prioritized.

Advantages:

• Industrial Grade: Capable of handling pressures up to 24 barg (350 psig) for consistent nitrogen generation.
• Simple Start-Up: Begins production instantly without the need for complex equipment or a break-in period.
• Lightweight: Made from high-performance materials, making it easy to install and maintain.

Applications:

• Nitrogen Generation: Used for inerting, pipeline purging, fuel tank inerting, and corrosion prevention.
• Diverse Industrial Use: Also applied in laser cutting, chemical sparging, food packaging, and controlled combustion.

​4. PRISM® AirDry
Configuration: PRISM® AirDry membranes are designed for air dehydration, removing water vapor from compressed air streams. The product comes in multiple configurations:

• PRISM AirDry Classic: Standard membrane dehydration system.
• PRISM AirDry Flex: Includes an external sweep purge for added flexibility.
• PRISM AirDry Force: Built for extreme high-pressure applications (up to 1200 PSI).

Advantages:

• Low Maintenance: No moving parts or consumable components, reducing maintenance time and costs.
• Reliable: Capable of reaching dew point depressions of -40°C, ideal for critical applications.
• Silent Operation: Provides uninterrupted performance without desiccant dust carry-over or noise.

Applications:

• Air Dehydration: Used in oil and gas industries, onboard military aircraft carriers, naval fleets, and other remote or critical sites where dry air is essential.

For more further enquiry, kindly contact the manufacturer, Air Products

​Cerafiltec's ceramic flat membranes are being implemented in four membrane bioreactor (MBR) projects for wastewater treatment in Italy, Mexico, the UAE, and Africa. These ceramic membranes will replace traditional polymeric membranes, such as hollow fiber and flat sheet designs, across the sites, which collectively handle 13.7 million liters of water per day. The projects range from smaller industrial MBRs processing 250 m³/day to larger municipal MBRs with capacities of up to 10,000 m³/day.
Each ceramic membrane plate features two water outlets per side and can be assembled into modules containing up to 34 interchangeable membranes with internal water piping. In high-sludge environments, the number of membranes can be reduced to prevent clogging. Up to 16 modules can be stacked into a tower and connected to other towers through a common pipe, offering a modular and scalable design.

​                                                                Single ceramic membrane plate with double side filtered water outlet.
Image credit: Cerafiltec

​One of the key advantages of Cerafiltec's ceramic membranes is their non-metallic construction, which allows them to operate with high flux and reduces the required filter area, leading to significant capital expenditure (CAPEX) savings. Their resistance to corrosion also makes them ideal for challenging applications, including those involving high temperatures. The membranes' long-lasting durability reduces maintenance and replacement needs, providing operational expenditure (OPEX) savings over polymeric alternatives.
Julius Gloeckner, Chief Growth Officer at Cerafiltec, highlighted the company's mission to transform water filtration by leveraging the superior properties of ceramic materials. These membranes are helping clients meet their water filtration goals efficiently, while supporting sustainability through a circular economy. The successful acquisition of these projects demonstrates the growing global demand for ceramic membrane technolog