When it comes to membrane replacement and maintenance, the right tools don’t just make the job easier, they protect your people, your plant, and your membranes. But not all membrane systems are the same, and neither are the tools required to service them.
Choosing the right membrane removal tool kit comes down to a few key factors:
Get this wrong, and you increase the risk of damaged housings, broken components, and safety issues during removal.
SMS offers two purpose-built membrane removal tool kits, each designed for specific applications.
MTK - Process / Sanitary Membrane Removal Tool Kit
Designed for stainless steel sanitary systems, this kit is suited to dairy, food, and beverage processing environments where hygiene and compliance are critical.
It supports 6” and 8” membrane systems across RO, NF, UF, and MF applications, including common end-cap configurations like shim-spring and retainer plate designs.
Key features include:
MTK-FRP - Membrane Removal Tool Kit for FRP Housings
Purpose built for Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) vessels, this kit is commonly used in industrial water treatment and utility applications.
Designed around 8” FRP housings (including Codeline-style vessels), it accounts for the different tolerances and structural considerations of FRP systems.
Key features include:
If your plant regularly deals with difficult removals or aggressive fouling, this kit is essential.
Yes, SMS tools are designed to be broadly compatible across standard industry membrane housings, provided vessel dimensions and end-cap configurations align with tool kit specifications.
MTK Compatibility
The MTK is compatible with 6.3" UF, 6.4", and 8.0" RO/NF stainless steel housings. Multiple extractor screw types (M10, 5/16" UNC, M6) allow for flexibility across a range of OEM end-cap thread designs.
MTK-FRP Compatibility
The MTK-FRP is designed for 8.0" Codeline FRP pressure vessels that utilise shim-spring or bearing-plate end-cap systems. Push rods and hydraulic pigs are dimensioned specifically for FRP internal diameter tolerances.
The end cap compression tool and housing clamp are engineered to match the dimensions and length of the Codeline bell section, ensuring a secure and controlled removal process.
Using the wrong tools is one of the fastest ways to:
The right tool kit, on the other hand, gives you:
Membrane systems are a critical part of your process, and maintaining them properly starts with the right tools. If you’re unsure which kit suits your plant, it’s worth getting advice upfront. Get in touch with our team and we’ll help you confirm the right tool kit for your plant.
In this video below, we walk through a safe and controlled membrane removal process, highlighting the practical steps that help reduce risk and improve consistency.
