Asahi Kasei Launches Membrane System to Produce Water for Injection

In April 2024, Asahi Kasei began selling a membrane system to produce WFI (water for injection), a type of sterile water that is used for the preparation of injections. The membrane system was developed as an alternative to the conventional distillation processes for the production of WFI by leveraging system design and development capabilities of Microza™ hollow-fiber membrane for water treatment and filtration of liquid products. By reducing the need to generate steam, this system enables lower CO2 emissions and lower costs in the production of WFI.

With its Microza™ hollow-fiber membrane, Asahi Kasei has provided membrane filtration solutions in a wide range of fields including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food processing, environmental protection, and water treatment. Pharmaceutical water, which is used in the pharmaceutical manufacturing process, is one application in which Microza™ has gained a strong reputation among customers for its high filtration performance and outstanding technical support.

The WFI membrane system is based on steam-sterilizable ultrafiltration (UF) membranes for water treatment that have been widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. Being designed by the membrane manufacturer, the system features a compact form and excellent operability. It offers various advantages compared to the conventional distillation processes, such as a reduced need to generate steam, resulting in lower CO 2 emissions and energy costs. It also offers a simplified process with no need for cooling and condensing steam and enables higher water quality to be obtained. Previously published research with the same membranes indicates an endotoxin removal rate of >99.999% compared to 99.9% with distillation. www.asahi-kasei.com

HUBER Technology Unveils New Center Flow Perforated Band Screen CenterMax® Hybrid

HUBER Technology Inc., recently unveiled the new CenterMax® Hybrid flow perforated band screen, which offers high throughput and maximum separation efficiency with plastic perforated screen elements to prevent hair pinning and fouling.

The CenterMax® Hybrid is HUBER Technology’s solution to challenges being faced by both municipal and industrial treatment plants. Advanced treatment processes employed today require capture of even finer material, subjecting screens to accelerated binding. As population rises, plants are also experiencing increased flows to plants without the option of an expanded footprint, further complicating the procurement process.

The CenterMax® Hybrid offers a variety of screening elements and opening sizes tailored to meet the separation needs of the application, high capture of fine particles including fibers and hair, and ideal protection of sensitive processes including MBRs. The superior inside out flow design allows for the most screening surface area for any given channel. With easy access to service points at grade level, the CenterMax ® Hybrid is designed for narrow channels and high throughputs. Its vertical design allows for it to be employed in small areas, limiting its footprint.

Available in perforations from 2mm and 6mm, the CenterMax® Hybrid’s plastic perforated screen elements prevent hair pinning and fouling while providing effective element cleaning without a rotating brush. www.huber-technology.com

Adsorbi Launches Cellulose-Based Air Purification Material for the Art Industry

Adsorbi AB, a research-based startup originating from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, announced the launch of its first commercial product: a cellulose-based material that protects artwork and sensitive objects from degradation by air pollutants. The adsorbing material combines a long product lifetime with high security, making it ideal for museums and archives.

Currently, air pollution in museums is either ignored or the adsorbent activated carbon is used. The problem with using carbon in this environment is its short product lifetime and the risk of staining objects in collections.

Adsorbi’s material is a bio-based and high-performing adsorbent. The cellulose originates from Nordic forests and the production is in Europe. The material is used to purify air in the storage and transportation of artwork, surpassing activated carbon in terms of durability and adsorption capacity. Other important features include the material’s color indicator: the white material changes color when it needs to be replaced, enabling optimized air purification. www.adsorbi.com