Diffuser Membrane Materials

EPDM

EPDM is a synthetic rubber which is custom molded for this application. The compound formulation and molding technique are critical to ensure that the membrane maintains its physical properties over a long period of time, resists tearing, retains its shape even after years of continuous or cyclical use, and produces fine bubbles, all at a minimal head pressure.

Our EPDM membranes are field tested in municipal and industrial applications with excellent results.

Standard EPDM is not recommended in cases where solvents, fats oils or greases, or high concentrations of other foulants are present. membranes are field tested in municipal and industrial applications with excellent results.

PTFE

Developed in 2004, and protected by patent thereafter, the PTFE-coated EPDM membrane is now proven technology.

SSI pioneered and patented the use of thin film surface layers of Fluoroelastomers permanently joined to the surface of an EPDM or other substrate base material.

Industrially, this product is a "must have", and has become the industry standard in pulp and paper, dairy, refinery, carbonated beverage, and landfill leachate applications. Municipally, it is used by major cities worldwide due to the anticipated life cycle cost benefits and reduced maintenance.

For more information on our PTFE product visit this page.

fEPDM™

fEPDM™ membranes were developed in 2007 as an answer to those few cases where solvents were present and posed a risk to PTFE-coated membranes. In practice, they have outstanding chemical resistance similar to Viton®. A significant additional benefit of fEPDM™ membranes is that the entire outer surface area of the membrane is protected. This proprietary process also treats and protects the inner slits!

Viton ®

This material has been used successfully by SSI in a few applications where budget constraints were not an issue. The membrane works very well, and is highly resistant to most foulants and chemicals. Viton® typically costs 10x the cost of EPDM membranes.

Webbed Urethane

Developed in 2009 with patent protection filed for in 2010, SSI's webbed polyurethane membrane provides outstanding chemical resistance and excellent creep resistance. Available with either standard or micro perforations to produce fine or ultra fine bubbles, this membrane material is suitable for municipal or industrial service.

Silicone

SSI does produce silicone discs and tubes, as well as polyurethane tubes, however we much prefer the characteristics of the fluoroelastomer layered membranes, since both silicone and polyurethane have a tendency over time to suffer from tearing due to flexure failure, which is something that does not significantly afflict EPDM membranes. Neither polyurethane nor silicone is suited to cyclical operation, and neither offers a cost benefit over fluoroelastomer layered EPDM membranes.