A Simple Way to Improve Repeatability in the Lab
- denis7884
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
Researchers often encounter puzzling variations in membrane performance even under tightly controlled spinning conditions. Two hollow fiber membranes made from the same polymer batch and processed under identical protocols may still show 10–15% differences in permeability. The cause often lies not in fabrication, but in inconsistent washing after spinning.
A recent survey found that over 60% of membrane R&D labs lack standardized washing protocols, despite clear evidence that residual solvents, additives and pore formers trapped in fine channels can alter pore structure, stiffness and surface hydrophilicity. Even 0.1% solvent residue by weight may distort membrane behavior.
When washing is uncontrolled, such as soaking in still water or relying on manual rinsing, residues remain unevenly. This creates batch-to-batch variability and undermines performance data. In membrane R&D, where precision and reproducibility are of paramount importance, neglecting this step can compromise results and disrupt scale-up. Fortunately, there is a solution that brings consistency back into membrane preparation.
Why Residual Chemicals Compromise Results
Freshly spun hollow fiber membranes may appear clean—smooth, flexible and uniformly white or translucent. But inside the narrow bores and wall structures, remnants of spinning chemicals linger. These are not external contaminants, but rather remnants of the very chemicals used to form the membrane, such as solvents, additives and pore formers. These chemicals commonly appear during fabrication, but the steps that follow often receive less attention.
Washing membranes with controlled flow, temperature and duration effectively removes these residues. However, when researchers wash membranes carelessly or inconsistently, residues stay behind and actively affect performance. Some continue to leach, while others interact with the membrane matrix, reshaping pores, altering surface chemistry and causing permeability to shift post-production.
Even small inconsistencies in washing can create measurable performance differences between seemingly identical samples. One membrane may retain full functionality, while another, left in still water overnight, may see a 15% drop in flux. There are no cracks, no visible defects, just quiet, chemically driven drift.
This kind of hidden variability erodes confidence in experimental results. It forces unnecessary retesting and slows down development. Worse, it introduces doubt just when researchers are preparing to scale.
A Repeatable Solution: MEMS Bobbin-Type Washing System
To address this overlooked but critical problem, MEMS developed the Hollow Fiber Bobbin-Type Washing System. Rather than relying on soaking or ad hoc rinsing, this system offers a standardized process that ensures every membrane fiber receives uniform treatment. Up to four bobbins can be washed simultaneously, with controlled temperature, continuous flow and equal exposure across all samples.
Key Benefits:
✔ Precise Temperature Control: Adjustable from room temperature to 60 ± 3°C, enabling targeted removal of residuals based on thermal behavior.
✔ Continuous Flushing: Steady water flow moves through and around fibers, ensuring deep cleaning of internal channels and preventing reabsorption.
✔ Batch Uniformity: Washes up to four bobbins under identical conditions, minimizing variability and boosting reproducibility across experiments.
✔ Increased Lab Efficiency: Parallel washing reduces total time and avoids workflow bottlenecks during membrane prep.
✔ Durable Construction: Built from corrosion-resistant Stainless Steel 304, it withstands high humidity and repeated exposure to chemicals.
By making washing a deliberate and standardized process, the system improves the reliability of all downstream activities, including testing scale-up and commercialization.
Reliable Membranes Begin with Reliable Preparation
Membrane fabrication does not end when spinning stops. Each post-processing step, especially washing, plays a role in defining performance. A membrane that is chemically balanced and residue-free behaves predictably and consistently across tests.
Controlling washing eliminates a major source of experimental noise, clears up data interpretation and saves time by reducing false negatives and inconsistent results. In the long run, this precision accelerates research, supports smoother scale-up and builds confidence in membrane quality.
The MEMS Bobbin-Type Washing System helps labs transition from improvised methods to standardized preparation. It brings membrane washing in line with the rigor already applied to fabrication and testing. Reliable membranes begin with reliable preparation. The science deserves nothing less.
Follow us across our social media channels:
Comments