LANXESS is producing Lewabrane membrane elements for water treatment in Bitterfeld, Germany. The membrane's active separating layer forms a wafer-thin polyamide film. That filters out undesirable substances from water such as salts, pesticides, herbicides, viruses, bacteria and also minute particles. Photo: LANXESS AG

For quality assurance purposes each individual Lewabrane product is checked in an element tester at the LANXESS site in Bitterfeld, Germany. Photo: LANXESS AG

The best in water treatment - LANXESS doubles membrane production capacity

02 Aug 2017

Specialty chemicals company LANXESS – as announced previously in mid-2017 – has doubled its membrane capacities. “We have expanded the capacity of our plant in Bitterfeld so that we can continue meeting the rising demand for reverse osmosis membrane elements. This step makes us even more attractive as a supplier to major customers,” says Jean-Marc Vesselle, head of the Liquid Purification Technologies business unit at LANXESS.

The market for reverse osmosis membrane elements is currently projected to continue growing at an above-average annual rate of ten percent (CAGR 2015-2020) in the years ahead. Because the plant was already operating almost at the limit of its capacity, LANXESS decided to double it.

Production of membrane elements for the Lewabrane line is a multi-stage process. It begins with the fabrication of a thin-film composite membrane comprising several individual layers. A polysulfone base layer and an active filter layer are applied on a nonwoven base substrate. The filter layer is made of polyamide and applied in a complex coating process. Produced as flat components, the reverse osmosis membranes are then wound by fully automated autowinders into spiral-shaped elements. This design helps to conduct untreated water towards the membrane surface and to collect the permeate (filtrate).
In addition to the membrane elements plant, LANXESS also operates the world’s largest plant for monodisperse ion exchange resins in Bitterfeld.

New Lewabrane ULP range expands membrane portfolio for water treatment

LANXESS has been continuously expanding its line of membrane elements since production began in September 2011 and the products were introduced to the market in early 2012. Today, numerous types of Lewabrane elements are available in different sizes, which can be optimized for high fouling resistance, high energy efficiency or high performance.

The new Lewabrane RO ULP line is the latest addition. These “Ultra Low Pressure” elements display higher water permeability than the standard elements, while offering the same high level of rejection of critical substances. The operating pressure required in the pressure vessel is 40 percent lower, which reduces operating costs. Furthermore, the new membranes are a good option for removing micropollutants from wastewater and drinking water.

LANXESS at Aquatech 2017

As an exhibitor at Aquatech 2017, from October 31 to November 3 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, LANXESS will be showcasing its Lewatit-brand ion exchangers, its Lewabrane line of reverse osmosis membrane elements and its Bayoxide iron oxide adsorbers for water treatment. Exhibits will include the new Lewabrane RO ULP line of membrane elements.

“As one of the world-leading suppliers of products and solutions for water treatment and purification, we support our customers in managing scarce water resources as efficiently as possible. Our products meet the highest German and international production and quality standards. At Aquatech, we want to demonstrate our competence as an experienced, all-around supplier to a broad, international, professional public,” announced Vesselle.

The unique LewaPlus software application for integrated system design will also be available for demonstration at the LANXESS stand. It supports the simulation and design of both reverse osmosis (RO) and ion exchange (IEX) processes for water desalination. It is the only planning tool currently available that makes it possible to design highly complex water treatment systems and draw direct comparisons between calculations for RO and IEX processes.

Detailed information is available online at http://lpt.lanxess.de/. The LewaPlus design software can also be downloaded from this website free of charge.

articles More

Thermax Ltd Acquires Buildtech A Game Changer for the Construction Chemicals Sector

28 Oct 2024

India is racing to build future cities and it is crystal clear that the materials that hold the skyscrapers, tunnels, and railways are as crucial as the blueprints that design them. When you see beneath the layers of concrete walls and steel beams, there lies an unsung industry that silently fuels the country’s progress: construction chemicals. The update in the industry about the acquisition of Buildtech Products India by energy and environmental giant Thermax, has turned the spotlight toward t Read More

Rising demand for polyols what opportunities do the Indian companies have

24 Oct 2024

India’s industrial growth across sectors like automotive, construction, and consumer goods has led to a surging demand for polyols, essential in producing polyurethane materials. This rising demand has made Indian chemical companies focus on expanding their production capacities of key components like propylene glycol and polyester polyols. Now these materials are indispensable for manufacturing products that offer energy efficiency, durability and lightweight properties. Read More

Opportunities in India s Expanding Petrochemical Market What Global Partners Should Know

23 Oct 2024

India’s petrochemical industry is cited at the brink of a powerful transformation driven by increasing consumer demand and industrial growth.Millions of Indians are entering the middle class thus increasing the need for products derived from petrochemicals – ranging from plastics and synthetic fibres -setting them to rise sharply. Therefore in this article, we have mentioned the efforts of Indian companies like Nayara Energy and Halida Petrochemicals that are accelerating the production and ther Read More

The Road to Self-Reliance How India s Petrochemical Industry is Transforming

19 Oct 2024

India’s chemical and petrochemical sector is taking shape as the country feeds its ambition to emerge as a global manufacturing hub. The government is particularly focusing on specialty chemicals. Other than the improvements in the global competitiveness index and the smooth road of doing business, the country’s swift V-shaped economic recovery following the pandemic has solidified its position as an attractive destination for global investments. In this article, we have dived deep into the late Read More

The future of Indias Energy sector Indias Ambitious Plan to Expand Crude Oil Refining Capacity by 2030

10 Oct 2024

India's energy sector is undergoing significant expansion to meet the growing domestic demand and the prime focus is on enhancing energy security, balancing domestic consumption and competing in the global energy market. This transformation has come at a time when the world is moving towards cleaner energy and sustainable options. Read More

Navigating Change How Latin Americas Palm Oil Surge Affects Indias Import Dynamics

04 Oct 2024

There is a major shift in the global palm oil market as Latin America emerges as the leading force in the production of palm oil. The situation presents itself as a challenge for Southeast Asia dominating the sector. The transition is not limited to the numbers but is an intricate interplay regarding sustainability, land availability, and trade dynamics. On the other hand, India is a major importer of palm oil and is likely to be impacted when these Latin American countries are scaling up their Read More