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EPDM Membranes for Aeration Diffusers

SSI Field Tests EPDM Disc Membranes and Tube Membranes For Lifespan and Dependability

SSI’s  (EPDM) rubber membranes demonstrate outstanding results in field testing, both with fine bubble disc diffusers and fine bubble tube diffusers. We manufacture all EPDM diffuser membranes in our factory using new injection molding machines. We also perforate our own parts in-house.

 

Diffuser membranes from SSI Aeration, Inc., have worldwide recognition for their quality and performance. Consider the features and benefits of these EPDM membranes below.

Low Plasticizer Content

Low plasticizer content means the membrane will last longer before it hardens, shrinks or breaks. Outsourced vendors often use more plasticizers to make their rubber materials softer and more flexible. However, when EPDM rubber has too many plasticizers, they can migrate out in tiny droplets over time, resulting in membrane weight loss and failure. For this reason, SSI Aeration designs and engineers EPDM membranes for aeration diffusers with a low concentration of plasticizers to promote long-lasting performance.
Green afc product

High Tensile Strength and Elongation at Break

EPDM diffuser membranes with high tear resistance have tensile strength and elongation at break that exceeds industry standards. Nobody expects a membrane to stretch to 700% of its resting length. However, tensile strength and elongation are still essential for performance and longevity. With higher elongation at break, the EPDM diffuser membrane has better snapping back capabilities for closing the slits and less chance of creeping or permanently deforming over time.

Heat and Light Resistance

EPDM diffuser membrane material from SSI Aeration, Inc. has a saturated polymer backbone, making it resistant to heat, steam and brightness. As a result, the membrane can withstand harsh weather conditions and high temperatures.

PFAS-Free

SSI Aeration’s EPDM diffuser membranes and coatings do not contain  Per- or poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), otherwise known as ‘forever chemicals’. These substances are widely used in an array of products, including rubber manufacturing. However, they may have harmful and persistent effects on the environment, human health and animal life.

We manufacture PFAS-free products in an effort to reduce their environmental impact and prevent them from causing further harm.

Replacement and Retrofitting

SSI’s premium membranes are available as direct replacements for SSI and as an upgrade for most other brands. We can also provide  diffuser installation services. The SSI team can partner with clients to develop solutions for retrofitting projects.

Besides EPDM, SSI also produces PEEK, EPDM, Silicone, and Polyurethane membranes.

The sales and engineering teams can help customers find the right material for their applications. SSI offers membranes with a variety of sizes, shapes and price points to suit multiple situations. Customers can retrofit SSI membranes on diffuser bodies from three different manufacturers. This versatility gives clients more control over their aeration system modifications.

Scheduled Obsolescence

We use scheduled obsolescence to determine the end of life of our membrane tooling. When you have just a few molds and fixtures, you may be able to follow a different protocol. SSI Aeration takes a different approach to quality control to accommodate our widespread offerings. We count the cycles on our molds and perforation knives and change them on a schedule. This is because an old mold makes parts with uneven thickness, and old knives make rough slits that may not bubble uniformly across the part.
Membrane tooling

Advanced Coatings and Compounds

Customers may choose from standard EPDM membranes or EPDM membranes with special coatings or manufacturing techniques. Consider the following options for extending an EPDM membrane’s performance:

  • PTFE: SSI’s patented PTFE membranes consist of an EPDM substrate with a PTFE coating. The PTFE layer protects the EPDM base from chemicals and resists surface fouling for improved performance. Based on preliminary results, SSI expects PTFE to have even lower life cycle costs than EPDM.
  • Silicone: An inorganic material with high temperature resistance. SSI’s silicone membranes are specially formulated for high tear strength.
  • Polyurethane: A very strong material which may be suitable for some industrial wastewaters when operating continuously.

Cutting-edge materials make membranes from SSI Aeration, Inc. the worldwide choice across industries.

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