Vinopro NF series

Summary

Product identification

The Vinopro* NF Series consists of proprietary thin-film nanofiltration (TFM*) membrane elements designed for specialized applications. These elements are characterized by an approximate molecular weight cut-off of 150-300 Dalton for uncharged organic molecules.

Key features include:

• Durasan* Cage patented outer wrap
• Selection of feed spacers
• Polysulfone parts

Typical uses for Vinopro NF Elements are grape sugars concentration, oak extract fractionation, alcohol and acidity reduction, and wine adjustment.

Models:

• Vinopro NF4040C35 (Part number: 1231691)
  • Spacer: 35 mil (0.89 mm)
  • Active area: 80 ft² (7.4 m²)
• Vinopro NF4040C50 (Part number: 1232742)
  • Spacer: 50 mil (1.27 mm)
  • Active area: 65 ft² (6.0 m²)
• Vinopro NF8040C50 (Part number: 1238231)
  • Spacer: 50 mil (1.27 mm)
  • Active area: 275 ft² (25.6 m²)

Operating limits

• Typical Operating Pressure: 140-800 psi (966-5,516 kPa)
• Maximum Operating Pressure: 1,200 psi (8,273 kPa)
• Maximum Temperature: 122°F (50°C)
• Sanitization Temperature: 194°F (90°C)
• pH Range: 3.0-9.0
• Chlorine Tolerance: 500 ppm-hours (dechlorination recommended)
• Operating pressure (bar) multiplied by operating temperature (°C) should not exceed 2000.

Feed water

The Vinopro NF membranes preferentially reject divalent and multivalent ions. Monovalent ion rejection is dependent upon feed concentration and composition. The D-Series membrane exhibits a minimum rejection of 98% on 2,000 ppm MgSO₄ at 25 °C and 110 psi operating pressure.

For initial flushing, RO permeate is strongly preferred. Feedwater that does not foul or form scale on the membrane can be used after appropriate filtration. Note that the solubility of some inorganics, such as CaCO₃ and CaSO₄ (above 45°C), decreases with increasing temperature.

Product water

Since monovalent ions pass through the membrane, they do not contribute significantly to osmotic pressure, allowing Vinopro membrane systems to operate at lower feed pressures than typical RO systems. Following repeated hot water sanitization cycles, a loss of permeate flow rate may occur, which is associated with an increase in salt rejection.

Mechanical / hydraulic

• Typical Operating Flux: 5-20 GFD (8–34 LMH)
• Clean Water Flux (CWF): 14 GFD (24 LMH) @ 110 psi (CWF can vary ±25%)
• Maximum Pressure Drop:
  • Over an element: 15 psi (103 kPa)
  • Per housing: 60 psi (414 kPa)

Dimensions and Weight:

Note: Dimension A for NF4040C** includes interconnector.

CIP limits for NF elements

Hot Water Sanitization recommendations

Before first use, new elements must be flushed with clean water (preferably RO permeate) for at least one hour at a transmembrane pressure not exceeding 45 psi (3 bar). The system must operate for a minimum of 24 hours prior to hot water sanitization. If new elements are to be hot water sanitized before first use, the system must be flushed at a low transmembrane pressure (up to 45 psi/3 bar) for a minimum of 24 hours prior to sanitization.

During hot water sanitization, transmembrane pressure should be kept as low as possible, not exceeding 45 psi (3 bar), while ensuring some permeate flow for effective sanitization on the permeate side. Cross-flow to the system should be monitored and adjusted so that the pressure drop is not more than 2 psi per element or 10 psi per housing.

Sanitization Procedure:

1. Elements that have been in operation should be cleaned with an approved Clean In Place (CIP) procedure to remove mineral scales or organic foulants, then thoroughly flushed for at least an hour before sanitization.
2. Increase the system temperature from room temperature to the target sanitization temperature (up to 90°C/194°F) at a rate not higher than 5°C/9°F per minute. Maintain the target temperature for 30 to 60 minutes.
3. Cool the system to room temperature at a rate not higher than 5°C/9°F per minute.

The effectiveness of heat sanitizing depends on temperature and time. Vinopro elements can withstand 90°C hot water sustained for over 60 minutes. Repeated 90°C sanitization cycles can lead to a loss of permeate flow, potentially between 30% and 50% of the original rate before stabilization, with most of this reduction occurring during the first treatment. This flow reduction increases salt rejection. Optimal conditions in a controlled environment with deionized water observed a cooling and heating rate of not more than 5°C per minute and a differential pressure drop per element not exceeding 2 psi.

Disclaimer: This summary is based on extracted text and may not include all figures, footnotes, or the latest revisions. Contractual data must match the OEM PDF revision used on the project.

Official datasheet (PDF)

PDF datasheet