Alumina ceramic membranes with unimodal pore size distribution in the 40 to 90 nm range were prepared on alumina porous substrates. The 57mm thickness membrane made from AKP-50 alumina shows 0,4 m3/m2h flow rate. The two layer substrate, prepared to have high mechanical strength, was made from commercially available APC-SG alumina. The filter made of three layers, membrane, intermediate layer and substrate, is classified as ultra-filter being able to retain bacteria and some viruses. Adherence between the three layers allows reverse washing. Filters are chemically inert and resistant to temperatures below 1000oC.
ceramic membranes; ultrafiltration; alumina membranes; inorganic membranes
