Frequently Asked Questions

SMS can source and supply most sanitary spiral wound membranes and if needed non sanitary FRP water membranes. SMS can also supply  tubular ceramic and hollowfibre membranes where needed to meet user requirements for other food and beverage process or chemical recovery needs. All of which can be incorporated into a process or standalone skid to meet an application need.

Yes there are many ways to design and engineer a membrane process to meet the end user’s system or application requirements.  Please enquire for further information.

SMS work closely with the end user to understand the application and minimum expected requirements for permeate flux, targeted solute rejection requirements of the application and expected concentration factors and total solids of the concentrate (membrane retentate).

All membrane systems require feed streams to contain as little foulant materials as possible to ensure the longevity of the membranes and for optimisation of the membrane process.  As much of the suspended solids or other particulate matter should be removed before membrane process as insoluble solids can irreversibly foul or block the membrane feed channels.  SMS recommend use of Eaton filter bags or cartridges as a protection mechanism in streams where risk to membranes or product is high. 

Yes generally all filter software and most hardware are suitable for food and beverage applications. Please contact us for more information.

Yes this is often quite easily achievable either by addition of extra membrane area within the existing plant frame and capacity, or if there is, footprint room and electrical and automation services allow, additional membrane stages can be added.

Our membrane systems are designed to handle some variability and adapt to changes in feed composition. This can be manged by robust pre filtration, coupled with pressure, flow and temperature control systems alone with monitoring of total solids/density and pH as examples.

SMS EPDM and VITON end plugs are designed to fit global membrane permeate tube internal diameter dimensions standards. SMS have designed its own combination of ATD and Lip seal to meet these global standards. Depending on what OEM membrane component end users have in their plants there may be some subtle differences when SMS lip seals are applied to non SMS components. Providing shipping is covered, SMS can send samples to you to ensure seal fit meets your needs.

Our membrane accessories brochure show which accessories fit with what membrane diameters or membrane type (such as RO, UF etc). This is located here.

Yes, we can source these smaller sizes in any quantity and range of molecular weight cut offs (MWCO) needed.

Yes, a BEP is all that is required for most horizontal membrane vessel configurations. The purpose of the Blank End Plug is to simply seal the permeate tube from the feed material. The Blank End Plug is not shaped like an ATD as there are no telescoping forces on the feed end of the membrane.

Permeate tubes are part of the membrane element and can't be supplied unless a new membrane is offered. All other components can be supplied. 

This depends on the application, levels of pre-treatment before membrane processing, processing conditions and how the cleaning process is applied – frequency and strength and type of chemicals used. SMS have end users that replace membranes on an annual basis due to severe fouling or chemicals attack, or as long as 5-6 years where processing and cleaning conditions are very optimised. 

Yes, our process MTK is designed to work on both 6"and 8" membrane housings. Smaller 4" membrane housings are too small to suit the membrane push end cap assembly.

First check that the membrane permeate tube has a seal lead in chaffer (bevel), and apply a small amount of water soluble/food grade lubricant to the seal. Use of the SMS large Viton lip seal (L-L-VITON) will also provide a slightly easier fit which may be a suitable option.

SMS Membrane tool kits (MTK) are for use in both process membrane plants (6” and 8”) and the FRP MTK compatible for use with Codeline 8” FTP membrane housings. 

Yes SMS supply a MTK for FRP water RO housings and a MTK for use in process membrane housings. 

SMS flexible permeate hoses with sanitary sample points are made in 300mm and 450mm lengths. Other lengths can be made but there is a minimum order volume.

Yes, please enquire. 

Yes, they are and are often part of the procurement programme for plant equipment if identified as critical spares.

SMS manufacture all its own products locally in New Zealand and have done for 20 years. We supply products across the globe.

Yes SMS design, engineer and build to appropriate food contact and hygiene standards. This includes use of suitably approved food contact consumables and materials of construction. 

Yes, all documentation is supplied as part of the operational maintenance manual (OMM) if carrying out a new plant build or a membrane upgrade project.

SMS have its own range of fully FDA, EU and NZFSA approved membrane components. Membrane selection will depend on the application and product being processed, but again are sourced from manufacturers who also have the appropriate food contact approvals. 

SMS plant systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing plant infrastructure through standard industrial communication protocols. Often during a plant shut period. Details of control system integration will depend on the end users current protocols and hardware. 

Plant downtime during installation depends on the complexity of the integration and the existing infrastructure. For most SMS installations, extended plant shut windows are provided or a smaller shut period provided to allow for key plant tie ins to be completed. 

This will be detailed in our proposal but will generally include details for new consumption of power, automation I/O, soft water for membrane cleaning, compressed air, cooling water and cleaning chemicals. As well as the required footprint required for installation.

For any threaded parts, its advisable to apply an anti-seize product to ensure trouble free operation. This would include sectional push rods and the end cap compression tool. 

Cleaning and maintenance are essential for maximising membrane performance and lifespan. Our approach includes: Automated Clean in Place (CIP), integration with the onsite cleaning partner and membrane cleaning chemicals or recommendations if a green field project. Plant maintenance is fully detailed in an Operation and Maintenance Manual (OMM) left with the client, along with comprehensive on site and in classroom training. 

SMS training is comprehensive and completed by an industry expert with over 30 year’s experience. Training is split between classroom and plant-based activities. Find out more here.

Yes, payment by Proforma invoice or with credit card (with small extra fee) can be arranged.

Most membrane accessories, components and Membrane tool kits are ex stock Rolleston, NZ and can be shipped following payment or purchase order. 

From time of proposal and then order projects can be generally delivered and commissioned in a 6–7-month window. Or less if no long lead equipment or membrane items are required. 

Yes we do. Its important the filtration scope is aligned with requirements for protection of a downstream asset or the product itself. 

Performance guarantees are limited to the membrane warranty conditions as set out by membrane manufacturers. Often associated to meeting a minimum flux and rejection level within the process.

Warranty is specific to the various equipment but generally there is a 12-month warranty period for defects and for membranes a 3 month full replacement warranty then pro-rated out to 9 months for any membrane manufacturing defects. Specifics of all warranties would be indicated in our proposal.