Organic Solvent Nanofiltration Membrane

Organic Solvent Nanofiltration (OSN) is a membrane filtration technology used to separate and purify molecules in organic solvents. Unlike traditional filtration processes, which are typically water-based, OSN works with organic solvents, making it especially useful in industries such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and hemp/cannabis extraction.

Key features of OSN include:

• Molecular Separation:
  OSN membranes can filter molecules between 200 and 2,000 Daltons in size, allowing for precise separation of compounds like solvents, solutes, and impurities.
• Energy Efficiency:
  Because OSN operates at lower pressures and doesn’t require phase changes (such as evaporation), it uses less energy compared to traditional solvent recovery methods like distillation.
• Solvent Recovery:
  OSN is effective at recovering and reusing organic solvents, reducing waste and operating costs.
• Versatility:
  OSN membranes can be tailored to specific applications, offering flexibility for different types of solvents and solutes.

In industries like hemp and cannabis, OSN is used for processes like ethanol recovery and dewaxing, improving efficiency and reducing energy expenditure.

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Residue-rich crude can cause detrimental coking of distillation equipment, leading to reduced solvent recovery and molecular distillation efficiency. Avoid this costly problem with our Membrane Nanofiltration equipment, which effectively removes contaminants, resulting in minimal maintenance requirements for downstream equipment. Our innovative technology also eliminates clogging of gear pumps and check valves caused by sugar residues present in the residue, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance.

Our Membrane Nanofiltration equipment will not only enhance product quality but also improve color, purity, and yield. Take your cannabis and hemp processing to the next level with our cutting-edge technology. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help optimize your operations.

Traditional solvent recovery methods involve high energy consumption to heat the miscella and subsequently cool the vapors for solvent condensation. This results in significant electrical costs over time, especially for large falling film evaporators that can incur tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in energy expenses alone. Organic Solvent Nanofiltration (OSN) offers a low-energy alternative for ethanol recovery that is rapid, safe, and efficient, all while preventing excessive heat exposure to the product.

OSN operates similar to reverse osmosis, utilizing specially designed filtration membranes with precise pore sizes. In solvent recovery applications, these pores allow only ethanol to pass through, while in dewaxing/depigmentation applications, they accommodate the passage of solvent, terpenes, and cannabinoids. Through the application of pressure, osmotic forces are overcome, enabling swift concentration of the miscella.

An additional advantage of this process is that it generates minimal heat. Consequently, solvent recovery can be achieved without decarboxylation of the target cannabinoids, facilitating large-scale production of high-quality shatters and crumbles from cold-ethanol extractors.

1. How does OSN differ from traditional filtration methods?
   Unlike traditional filtration processes, which are typically water-based, OSN works with organic solvents. It allows for the selective separation of small molecules in a variety of solvent systems, making it more versatile for industrial applications.
2. What are the benefits of using OSN?
   OSN offers several advantages, including energy efficiency (as it doesn’t require solvent phase changes), reduced operating costs, higher product purity, and the ability to recover and reuse organic solvents.
3. What industries use OSN?
   OSN is widely used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, food processing, and cannabis/hemp extraction, particularly for ethanol recovery and dewaxing.
4. What types of solvents can be used in OSN?
   OSN is compatible with a wide range of organic solvents, including ethanol, methanol, acetone, and other industrial solvents, making it adaptable to various applications.
5. How does OSN contribute to sustainability?
   By enabling solvent recovery and reducing energy usage, OSN minimizes waste and operational costs, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly production process.
6. Can OSN membranes be customized for specific applications?
   Yes, OSN membranes can be tailored to handle different molecular weight cutoffs and solvent systems, allowing for precise separations based on the needs of the application.
7. What is the typical molecular weight cutoff for OSN membranes?
   OSN membranes typically filter molecules between 200 and 2,000 Daltons, making them ideal for separating small organic molecules from solvents.
8. How energy-efficient is OSN compared to traditional methods?
   OSN uses significantly less energy than methods like distillation because it operates at lower pressures and temperatures without the need for phase changes in the solvent.
9. What maintenance is required for OSN systems?
   Regular maintenance includes cleaning the membranes to ensure optimal performance and occasionally replacing them depending on usage and solvent compatibility. Systems are generally designed for easy operation and maintenance.