Tech Support > FAQ

This is the Frequently Asked Questions section of the website. Some of your issues may be resolved by reviewing this resource. The FAQ is divided into two sections: the Dairy FAQ, and the E-Coat (Electrocoat) FAQ.

If you require further assistance, please call our Technical Support Department at 1 (800) 279-6337, or email support@synderfiltration.com.

Dairy FAQ

1. What is the normal lead time when ordering membranes?
2. What does the Model number mean?
3. How long can membranes be stored before installation?
4. What types of membranes are used for what product?
5. What kind of pre-treatment does Synder recommend?
6. What flux can be expected?
7. How long can the membranes last?
8. What can cause the membrane to leak prematurely?
9. How can leaks be detected?
10. What causes fouling of membranes?
11. Can a fouled membrane be cleaned?
12. What are temperature, pH, pressure and chlorine limitations?
13. How is a warranty claim filed?
14. Are there any cleaning water requirements?
15. Where is technical assistance and service available?

E-Coat FAQ

1. What is the normal lead time when ordering membranes?
2. What does the model number mean?
3. How long can membranes be stored before installation?
4. What kind of pre-treatment does Synder recommend?
5. How can I improve UF life?
6. How long can the membranes last?
7. What can cause the membrane to leak prematurely?
8. Why is there low permeate output in normal operation (after steady-state rate is achieved)?
9. What ecoat products does Synder Filtration offer?
10. How is a warranty claim filed?
11. Are there any cleaning water requirements?
12. Where is technical assistance and service available?

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Dairy FAQ Answers

1. What is the normal lead time when ordering membranes?

   Most standard membranes are stock items and can be shipped the same day they are ordered. Special membranes or non-standard dimensions can normally be shipped in 2 – 4 weeks.
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2. What does the Model number mean?
   
   

   MWCO	Type	Spacer
   1000	XT (Extra tight)	1 = 24 mil
   3000	VT (Very tight)	2 = 31 mil
   5000	MT (Medium tight)	3 = 46 mil
   10000	ST (Standard)	4 = 65 mil
   30000	MK (Milk concentration)	5 = 80 mil
   50000	BN (Brine clarification)
   800000	FR (Fat removal)

   A = Control by-pass with tail. B = without tail
   Any combination of the above is available.
   Example: ST3A 6338: 63 means 6.3” diameter and 38 means 38” long
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3. How long can membranes be stored before installation?

   Ideally,elements should be kept in a cool,dark place if not installed immediately.Preferred temperature is 50-59 FahrenheitDegrees.If this is not possible, then temperature should not exceed more than 75 FahrenheitDegrees.Please note that element warranty is 12 months from date of installation or 18 months from receipt of shipment, whichever comes first.
   
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4. What types of membranes are used for what product?

   XT = WPI 90% - 95%
   VT = WPC 70% - 80%
   MT = WPC 50% - 60%
   ST = WPC 35%
   MK = Milk concentration
   BN = Brine clarification
   FR = Fat removal
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5. What kind of pre-treatment does Synder recommend?

   Normally a 25 micron pore size filter sock is sufficient. For excessive cheese fines in the whey stream additional fines saving equipment is necessary such as clarifier or traditional fine saver.
   If cheese fines enter the membrane, it is very difficult to remove them.
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6. What flux can be expected?

   XT = 44 – 66 GFD water flux
   VT = 52 – 78 GFD water flux
   MT = 64 – 96 GFD water flux
   ST = 72 – 108 GFD water flux
   MK = 96 – 144 GFD water flux
   BN = 72 – 108 GFD water flux
   FR = 224 – 336 GFD water flux

   Conditions: 60 psig, 25 deg.C. Water flux varies when conditions change.
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7. How long can the membranes last?

   Under normal conditions they will last one year or more.
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8. What can cause the membrane to leak prematurely?

   a. Cracked lip-seals. Check these before replacing the membranes.
   b. Pressure crease (membrane cracks) by the permeate tube caused by excessive back pressure.
   c. Channeling caused by cheese fines or solids deposits on the membrane.
   d. Excessive operating pressure.
   e. Abrasive material in the feed stream.
   f. Excessive solids in retentate during operation/concentration.
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9. How can leaks be detected?

   a. Cloudy permeate indicates leakage in the system.
   b. Vacuum testing of ultrafilters (see Synder representative for clarification).
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10. What causes fouling of membranes?

    a. Excessive suspended solids in feed stream (check filter sock).
    b. De-foamer (avoid at all times).
    c. Ca deposits (could be from the rinse water).
    d. Fatty/Oily material in feed stream.
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11. Can a fouled membrane be cleaned?

    Some membranes can be cleaned depending on the cause of fouling. For de-foamer fouling or extreme difficult cases, there are a few companies specializing in such cleaning. (See Synder representative for further information).
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12. What are temperature, pH, pressure and chlorine limitations?
    
    

    Maximum temperature:		122°F
    pH range:		1 – 11
    Chlorine:		180 PPM
    Pressure:	Max. Inlet pressure:	116 PSI
    	Min. Outlet pressure:	10 PSI
    	Min. Diff. pressure:	10 PSI per element
    	Max. Diff. pressure:	17 PSI per element
    	Max. Perm. Backpressure:	3 - 5 PSI
    	(Soft start on boost pump required)

    Please refer to the spec sheets or contact a Synder sales representative for more information.
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13. How is a warranty claim filed?

    Buyer / User should notify Synder Filtration immediately in writing.
    Buyer / User needs to maintain an accurate log of operation and CIP.
    (Please refer to our catalog for further details or contact Synder representatives for instructions).
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14. Are there any cleaning water requirements?

    Yes, the requirements for cleaning water are very important. They are listed below in the following table:

    Iron (Fe)	<0.05ppm
    Manganese	<0.02ppm
    Silicate (SiO2)	<5ppm
    Aluminum	<0.05ppm
    Hardness	<85ppm as CaCO3
    Particle size	<10 micron
    Turbidity	<1NTU

    
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15. Where is technical assistance and service available?

    California, USA
    Wisconsin, USA
    Australia
    New Zealand
    China
    Europe
    Mexico
    South America
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E-Coat FAQ Answers

1. What is the normal lead time when ordering membranes?

   Most standard membranes are stock items and can be shipped the same day they are ordered. Special membranes or non-standard dimensions can normally be shipped in 2 – 4 weeks.
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2. What does the model number mean?

   V6 membranes are intended for use in Cathodic E-coat.
   A6 membranes are intended for use in Anodic E-coat.
   Please refer to the hyperlinks for more information on ecoat membranes.
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3. How long can membranes be stored before installation?

   Ideally,elements should be kept in a cool,dark place if not installed immediately.Preferred temperature is 50-59 FahrenheitDegrees.If this is not possible, then temperature should not exceed more than 75 FahrenheitDegrees.Please note that element warranty is 12 months from date of installation or 18 months from receipt of shipment, whichever comes first.
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4. What kind of pre-treatment does Synder recommend?

   Normally a 25 micron pore size filter sock is sufficient. If dirt or other fine particles are allowed to enter the membrane, it is very difficult to remove them. Silicone should be avoided at all costs, as it will permanently foul the membranes.
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5. How can I improve UF life?

   Synder offers practical technical support and proprietary paint analysis (UFCC) to optimize paint conditions for UF. Contact your local representative to find out how we can help maximize your permeate and extend UF life.
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6. How long can the membranes last?

   Under normal conditions they will last one year or more.
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7. What can cause the membrane to leak prematurely?

   If there is color in the permeate upon start-up, it could be caused by one or more of the following reasons:

   a. O-rings are not set in their grooves or are damaged: check O-ring to make sure they are installed and working properly.
   b. Hard start-up: Membranes are subject to pressure and flow shock. It is important to open the inlet valves slowly, i.e. ¼ turn every 2 minutes. This will ease the initial shock to the elements.
   c. Ruptured membrane: Be sure that permeate back pressure does not EVER exceed 5 psi, as it may de-laminate the membrane and cause a leak.
   d. Smoker: Some UF will show slight paint in the permeate upon start-up. Many UF’s will clear themselves up due to the dynamic fouling that takes place in operation.
   e. Paint shear: If the tank is left circulating over a shutdown, there could be excessive paint shear from the circulation pump. This can be resolved by starting the system back on parts, as sheared paint molecules are lighter and will be the first to coat the part.

   If your UF elements continue to leak, please contact your dedicated Synder sales representative for help.
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8. Why is there low permeate output in normal operation (after steady-state rate is achieved)?

   Verify that the UF is operating within specified parameters. This can be found on the element spec sheet. Generally, the pressure drop across the UF should be between 25-30 psid. DO NOT drop below 15 psig. Verify that your valves are correct and that the pressure gauges are accurate. Also verify that there is sufficient GPM feed flow. Your paint supplier can usually provide this test with a mag mater. Also, verify that you have the correct membrane type for either anodic or cathodic paint.

   Contact Synder if the operating parameters are correct and you are still experiencing low flux. Our expert technical support team will be happy to help!
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9. What ecoat products does Synder Filtration offer?

   Synder Filtration offers a full line of e-coat products including: UF elements, UF systems, UF housings, Tubular anolyte cells, “C” Cells, anolyte systems, Cleaning solution, and accessories for UF. For more information, contact your local sales expert today!
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10. How is a warranty claim filed?

    Buyer / User should notify Synder Filtration immediately in writing.
    Buyer / User needs to maintain an accurate log of operation and CIP.
    (Please refer to our catalog for further details or contact Synder representatives for instructions).
    <back to top>

11. Are there any cleaning water requirements?

    Yes, the requirements for cleaning water are very important. They are listed below in the following table:

    Iron (Fe)	<0.05ppm
    Manganese	<0.02ppm
    Silicate (SiO2)	<5ppm
    Aluminum	<0.05ppm
    Hardness	<85ppm as CaCO3
    Particle size	<10 micron
    Turbidity	<1NTU

    
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12. Where is technical assistance and service available?

    California, USA
    Georgia, USA
    Australia
    New Zealand
    China
    Europe
    Mexico
    South America
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