FAQ

Zaiput separators separate any process fluid containing 2 or more immiscible phases. This includes oil/water, aqueous/organic, organic/organic, gas/liquid and more. The Zaiput separators can be inserted into any continuous or batch process for inline or downstream separation.

Thanks to their special design with a metal shell, Zaiput separators can be operated at a high pressure, up to 290 psi/2 MPa. However, it is important to ensure that the pressures of the two outlets are not considerably different. Consult our technical support team for special use at high pressure.

Separation in the Zaiput separator is an interfacial phenomena, not gravity-based. Therefore, the Zaiput separators can be used with any fluid mixture, regardless of their density difference.

Successful membrane separation requires an optimal pressure difference across the two sides of the membrane, i.e. retained and permeate sides. Zaiput separators incorporate an on-board pressure controller such that users no longer need to keep regulating the pressures of the two sides of the membrane. Click here to learn more about how it works.

Zaiput separators provide instantaneous, complete phase separation. They require neither a coalescing plate nor a settling tank. Their unique design eliminates the need for electronic apparatus for agitating parts or online process control. Additionally, they are very easy-to-use, inexpensive, and perfectly designed for a wide range of chemical environments (e.g., organic solvents, acidic solutions, high pressure).

All of the wetted parts inside the Zaiput separators are highly chemical-compatible. The metal shell does not contact the fluid. Zaiput separators can handle most organic solvents as well as corrosive solutions.

Temperature affects interfacial phenomena. Heating tends to decrease the interfacial tension of liquid mixtures. At very high temperatures, the liquid mixture is close to the miscibility region and may be difficult to separate. Contact us to consult our technical support team for special use with extreme temperatures.

Currently, we provide Zaiput separation devices in three versions, SEP-10, SEP-200 and SEP-3000. These versions cover flows ranging from 0 to 3000 mL/min.

The Zaiput separation devices separate immiscible fluids based on their wettability. This is different from filtration which uses a size-exclusion technique. Filtration generally removes solid from one liquid phase (either a pure liquid or a miscible liquid mixture).

Zaiput’s separators can be used for any type of chemical process, in either the laboratory or in an industrial setting. They are suitable for high-value chemicals thanks to their very small dead volume and high efficiency. Below is a glimpse of potential applications:

• Inline workup for synthesis (organic/inorganic)
• Separation of biphasic mixtures
• Homogeneous catalyst recovery
• Liquid-liquid extraction
• Liquid-gas separation
• Recovery of pharmaceuticals or fine chemical compounds
• Separation of alcohols from organic solvents
• Removal of excess starting materials
• Countercurrent extraction

The membranes used in the Zaiput separators are highly compatible with chemicals so it can function for weeks. However, depending on how clean the separated fluid is, the membrane may need to be replaced more frequently. This is especially true if the fluid contains a significant amount of solid particles/precipitates.

For any more questions or further information, please contact us.

Zaiput BPRs work well with multiphasic fluids such as liquid/liquid and gas/liquid. They are also capable of handling small amounts of solid particles with diameters smaller than 150-200 μl.

The set point of the Zaiput BPRs are adjustable by compressed air/gas. The Zaiput BPR have been designed to maintain a stable pressure with negligible variation (± 5%).

The inlet and outlet of the Zaiput BPR-10 and BPR-1000 are listed in the specifications tab.

Zaiput BPRs are designed to be leak-proof. They have been characterized to be able to maintain a stable pressure for at least 10 days.

A back pressure regulator is used to regulate inlet pressure, so an upstream fluid will be pressurized to the set point. On the other hand, a pressure regulator regulates outlet pressure, so a downstream fluid will be pressurized to the set point.

Unlike many other products on the market, Zaiput BPRs do not come with a factory-preset pressure. Instead, users are allowed to precisely set the Zaiput BPR to any pressure within a recommended operating range (1 – 290 psi). Zaiput BPRs are also easy-to-use and chemically compatible.

All of the wetted parts inside the Zaiput BPR are made of highly chemical-compatible materials. The metal shell will not be in contact with the fluid. They can handle most organic solvents as well as acidic solutions. Contact our technical support team for questions about chemical compatibility.

The recommended operating flow rate is between 0 and 1000 mL/min, depending on the unit.

The internal parts of Zaiput BPRs are made of polymers. Therefore, the recommended operating temperature is below 130 ˚C. For any application at higher temperatures, consult our service team for a customized solution.