Jozzon Ultrafiltration Membrane Modules: Technology, Performance, and Best Practices

Ultrafiltration (UF) has become a cornerstone of modern water treatment, and Jozzon’s hollow fiber UF membrane modules are engineered to deliver reliable performance even under challenging feed water conditions. This guide summarizes the key technical features, operating parameters, and maintenance practices for Jozzon UF modules, helping engineers and system designers get the most from their membrane systems.

What Makes Jozzon UF Membranes Different?

Jozzon hollow fiber UF modules are manufactured with PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) or PES (polyethersulfone) as the base material, modified with PU to create a “cone-pore” anti-fouling membrane structure. The result is a module that offers:

• Ultra-low operating pressure with high water flux
• Broad water quality tolerance, suitable for demanding feed sources
• Stable permeate quality for downstream RO pretreatment and other applications

Key Technical Advantages

• Chemical resistance: PVDF material provides excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and oxidants such as sodium hypochlorite. Comparative testing shows PVDF retains tensile strength better than PES, PAN, and PE after prolonged exposure to 1500 ppm NaClO.
• Hydrophilic modification: Reduced contact angle improves anti-fouling properties and makes attached contaminants easier to remove during cleaning.
• PU modification for pressure response: Membrane pores expand slightly during backwash and chemical cleaning, allowing blocked particles to detach more easily. Recovery rates can exceed 99%.
• Three-dimensional cone-pore technology: The “cone-funnel” pore structure (visible in SEM cross-sections) enhances backwash and chemical cleaning efficiency. A uniform skin layer with smooth surface further improves fouling resistance.
• Unique pore-opening and pore-fixing post-treatment: Produces a smoother membrane surface that resists contaminant adhesion.

Module Specifications at a Glance

Jozzon offers three main UF module configurations: external pressure (outside-in), internal pressure (inside-out), and submerged types. Key performance parameters include:

Permeate quality is typically ≤0.8 NTU turbidity, SDI ≤3, and TSS ≤1 mg/L.

Design and Operating Conditions

To ensure reliable long-term operation, adhere to the following design guidelines:

• Feed water sources: Tap water, groundwater, surface water, seawater, or wastewater meeting GB8978-2012 secondary discharge standard.
• Feed water quality limits: No mechanical abrasive particles; max particle size ≤150 μm; TSS ≤100 ppm; total iron ≤0.5 mg/L; manganese ≤0.3 mg/L; oil content <1 mg/L. Exceeding these limits requires pretreatment.
• Recovery: Recommended ≥90%.
• Operating pressure: External pressure 0.05–0.25 MPa; internal pressure 0.05–0.3 MPa.
• Transmembrane pressure (TMP): ≤0.1 MPa (recommended 0.05–0.1 MPa).
• Backwash interval: 20–60 minutes, adjustable based on feed quality.
• Backwash water: Permeate from the UF module.
• Water backwash pressure: ≤0.2 MPa (recommended 0.1–0.15 MPa).
• Air-water dual backwash: Air flow 40–75 L/h·m²; inlet pressure 0.05–0.1 MPa; backwash time 20–60 seconds.
• Design flux: 50–120 L/m²·h for external/internal pressure modules; 15–50 L/m²·h for submerged modules.
• Chemical cleaning trigger: TMP ≥0.1 MPa; permeate flow drop of 10–15% from design; or inlet pressure increase of 10–20% at constant permeate pressure.
• Critical warnings: Never allow particles >150 μm into the module. Never exceed operating pressure or TMP >0.15 MPa—doing so can cause irreversible damage to the membrane.

Installation and Startup Essentials

• Do not drain the protective liquid before installation. The modules are shipped with a storage solution to protect the fibers.
• Wear protective gear (gloves, goggles, safety shoes) when handling modules and chemicals.
• Flush piping before connecting modules to remove debris and particles.
• Install vertically to ensure efficient air cleaning.
• Fill slowly to avoid water hammer damage to fibers.
• Rinse thoroughly after installation: run permeate and drain valves, then backwash repeatedly until feed and drain pH are equal.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Physical Cleaning

• Forward flush: Clean water flows across the feed side with concentrate valve fully open and permeate valve closed. Typically 10–30 minutes.
• Backwash: Low-pressure clean water (tap or UF permeate) flows from permeate side to feed side. Typically 10–20 minutes. Do not return backwash water to the cleaning tank to avoid contaminating the clean side.
• Air-water dual wash: Compressed air (oil-free, dust-free) is introduced during backwash. Bubbles agitate fibers, dislodging contaminants.
• Soaking: When physical cleaning is insufficient, soak with clean water or chemical solution to loosen deposits.

Chemical Cleaning

Jozzon PVDF membranes have excellent fouling resistance, and physical cleaning is often sufficient. When chemical cleaning is needed:

Important notes:

• Always feed cleaning solutions from the feed side to prevent contaminants from entering the membrane pores from the back.
• Perform adequate backwash before chemical cleaning.
• Use UF permeate or better water to prepare cleaning solutions.
• Rinse thoroughly between different cleaning agents and ensure pH is neutral before returning to service.
• Total chemical cleaning time is typically 2–4 hours.
• Cleaning solution temperature: 20–30 °C (optimal 25–35 °C).

Storage and Preservation

• Uninstalled modules: Store in a cool, shaded place. Do not drain the protective liquid.
• Short-term shutdown (<3 days): Fill modules with water and keep wet. For up to 7 days, flush 1–2 times daily.
• Long-term shutdown (>7 days): Perform NaClO chemical cleaning, then fill with dedicated preservation solution.
• Cold climates: Protect modules from freezing. Maintain internal moisture to prevent irreversible damage.
• System sealing: Ensure the system remains sealed and periodically check that membranes stay in a sterile, wet state.

Common Troubleshooting

Applications

Jozzon UF modules are widely used in:

• Drinking water advanced treatment and sterile water supply
• Surface water, groundwater, and well water turbidity/ bacteria removal
• Replacement of traditional media and activated carbon filtration
• RO pretreatment
• Removal of fine particles and suspended solids
• Food, pharmaceutical, and medical water treatment
• Municipal wastewater reuse and industrial water recycling
• High-suspended-solids wastewater (coal yards, oilfield reinjection water)
• Protein concentration, juice clarification, wine fining
• Traditional Chinese medicine extract purification
• Residential water purification
• Landfill leachate treatment

Why Choose Jozzon?

Jozzon Membrane originated from the Space Science Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and specializes in reverse osmosis membrane elements, water purification system integration, and liquid separation solutions. With advanced manufacturing, strict quality control, and global project experience—including refinery water systems in Kazakhstan, Niger, and Chad—Jozzon is a trusted partner for integrated water system solutions.

Need help selecting the right UF module for your project? Contact our membrane specialists for product recommendations, technical consultation, and customized water treatment solutions.