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Membralox GP IC Ceramic Membranes for Alternative Protein Clarification
Revolutionizing crossflow filtration with a high yield, compact ceramic membrane design.
Membralox® GP IC ceramic membranes are filtration membranes that combine Gradient Permeability (GP) and Intermingled Channel (IC) designs to increase filtration surface area and improve transmission performance in crossflow microfiltration and ultrafiltration applications.
Why is clarification important in fermentation processes?
Fermentation broths contain a mixture of product, cells, and suspended solids. Efficient clarification is required to separate these components and prepare streams for downstream processing.
Variations in solids content and broth composition can influence filtration performance. Consistent clarification supports stable operation and prepares feeds for downstream processing, including microfiltration and ultrafiltration steps. This is particularly important at the first clarification step, where variability can have the greatest impact on filtration performance.
As demand grows for sustainable, highvalue ingredients such as enzymes and alternativeprotein food sources, membrane filtration is increasingly important in production and downstream processing. The ceramic membrane market alone is projected to triple by 2035, while the alternative protein sector is on track to surpass $230 billion.
Membralox GP IC is engineered to support high-performance filtration with a compact footprint and cost efficiency that supports performance and sustainability objectives. This is especially relevant in fermentation processes where broth variability and fouling can affect separation performance.
Video showing Membralox GP-IC cereamic membrane modules
What is Membralox® GP IC?
Membralox GP IC combines Gradient Permeability (GP) with Intermingled Channels (IC). These design elements work together to support crossflow microfiltration and ultrafiltration performance. The page specifies: up to 45% more filtration surface area per membrane compared to traditional ceramics, up to 30% higher protein transmission than traditional ceramic filtration, a lower system footprint and CAPEX, and suitability for continuous long runs processing high fouling, high viscosity fluids.
Engineered for Excellence
Membralox GP IC ceramic membranes are designed to deliver consistent filtration performance across a range of operating conditions while supporting high flux and yields and helping to reduce system costs, operating expenses and environmental impact. This supports stable operation across variable feed conditions and helps maintain consistent separation over time.
- Optimized flux & transmission: The built in longitudinal permeability gradient supports uniform transmembrane pressure and uninterrupted performance designed to maximize transmission.
- Compact system design: Higher surface area per membrane can reduce the number of modules, enabling lower footprint and overall CAPEX.
- Durability: Resistant to high temperatures, aggressive cleaning agents, and mechanical stress; closed loop and automated systems help ensure microbial safety and reduce manual errors.
- Sustainability built in: Reduced water, energy, and chemical usage per cycle.
Where Membralox GP IC Shines: From Fermentation to Functional Protein Recovery
Membralox GP IC membranes are applied in fermentation and downstream processing, including clarification of fermentation broths and recovery of functional ingredients. This is particularly important in applications where solids loading, viscosity or process variability can challenge conventional filtration approaches.
Designed for versatility, Membralox GP IC is presented for a range of demanding food and industrial filtration processes where purity, microbial safety, and functionality are important. These applications often require consistent separation performance despite changes in feed conditions or operating parameters.
Some examples include:
- Alternative protein production (fermentation, upcycling, plant extraction)
- Enzyme and macromolecule recovery
- Clarification of fermentation broths
Smaller Footprint, Bigger Impact: Membralox GP-IC Specs That Deliver Results
| Model | Channels | Surface Area | Length | Channel Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP4840 | 48 | 0.7 m2 | 1020 mm | 4.0 mm |
| EP2760 | 27 | 0.5 m2 | 1020 mm | 5.5 mm |
Available in microfiltration and ultrafiltration formats (100nm, 0.1 µm, 0.8 µm and 1.4 µm).
From Lab to Line: Pall’s Legacy of Filtration Innovation
Pall has over 60 years of ceramic membrane expertise and supports customers from benchtop trials through pilot testing to full-scale deployment, helping align process design across scales.
Speak with a Pall Expert
Have questions about Membralox GP IC or your filtration process? Our team can help identify suitable approaches based on your application requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Membralox® GP IC?
It is a ceramic membrane platform that combines Gradient Permeability (GP) and Intermingled Channels (IC) to increase filtration surface area and improve transmission in crossflow microfiltration and ultrafiltration applications.
How does the design affect flux and transmission?
A built in longitudinal permeability gradient supports a more uniform transmembrane pressure profile along the membrane, which is described as supporting consistent, uninterrupted performance and maximizing transmission.
What efficiency or cost advantages are described?
Higher surface area per membrane can reduce the number of modules required, enabling a smaller footprint and overall CAPEX benefits.
What pore size formats are available?
Microfiltration and ultrafiltration formats are available at 100 nm, 0.1 µm, 0.8 µm, and 1.4 µm.
Is the system suitable for long runs and challenging fluids?
Yes. The page states it is designed for continuous long runs of high fouling, high viscosity fluids.
How durable is the membrane system?
for closed loop and automated systems that help ensure microbial safety and reduce manual steps.
What sustainability attributes are mentioned?
The content notes reduced water, energy, and chemical usage per cycle.
What models and key dimensions are listed?
EP4840 with 48 channels, 0.7 m2 surface area, 1020 mm length, 4.0 mm channel diameter; and EP2760 with 27 channels, 0.5 m2 surface area, 1020 mm length, 5.5 mm channel diameter.
Where can I find more information?
Watch the on page video, use the Download link for documentation and contact the team via the form.