Microfiltration (MF) is the separation of particles that have diameters between 0.1 and 100μm (Figure 1). At this size range, however, technology hurdles have hampered the development of this field – and hence limited the scope of applications. Current membranes/filters use polymeric (or plastic-based) materials, which have several limitations: they are not easily suitable to separate micron-sized particles (as they lose stability) and do not withstand high temperatures nor harsh chemical conditions (otherwise useful for liquid or gas cleaning).
This MF challenge leads onto numerous the difficulties in industrial and large-scale processing, with the lack of a defined technology that can be easily applied – i.e. neither a membrane nor filter will often be suitable. Particularly, the reduced reusability, large costs associated with current ceramic-based membranes, increased energy requirements to push liquid through under-optimized processes and very limited understanding of the overall filtration process. Solving this technology hurdle allows us to tap into a multi-billion Euro industry.
We, Smart Separations Limited (SSL), have identified a wide range of market segments where MF is either already in use (but could be improved) or can potentially be used to replace current deficient approaches: human blood processing, air purification, industrial gas emissions control (including energy generation), food and beverage processing (e.g. dairy, fruit juice and beer), biopharmaceuticals manufacturing, drinking water production, wastewater treatment, semiconductor fabrication, and many other industrial processes. Essentially, applications where micro-particles (with sizes above 1µm and just below 100µm) need to be separated. The current general global market for these MF membranes is expected to reach €2.8 billion by 2018 (BCC Research), although this does not take into account the much larger markets that are currently poorly served by deficient alternatives – such as in air purification and human cell separations.
Smart Separations Ltd (SSL) has developed a revolutionary filtration system that can be tailored to suit many different applications in the underdeveloped yet global €78 billion separation/filtration industry. The ability to change the size of the filter to the task required can benefit many fields by reducing the cost of production (such as the need of a mould), and allowing the manufacture of pore sizes in narrow ranges, within microfiltration (<1 to 30 µm) – which hereto has not been easily addressable.
This device will provide a more controlled, versatile, and low-cost solution for several industries including blood donations, stem cell R&D, air filtration, and even food & drink processing. We initially targeted the blood/stem cell sector but now we are focusing on the room temperature air purification market which has highly inadequate technologies and where we can make the greatest impact.
With this project, we plan to bring the greatest impact by improving indoor air quality and thus improving quality of life, a mission that is at the forefront of our company. Our filter can integrate particulate and chemical removal into a single multifunctional system, so infrastructure and running costs can be dramatically reduced. Plus, it can be integrated in residential, commercial & industrial air conditioners, allowing for cleaner and less polluted indoor air – whilst heavily reducing bacterial and allergen (e.g. pollen) contamination. Emission of micro-particulates, such as PM2.5 and PM10, have been deemed a grave hazard to our health, which our technology has the potential to help tackle. With this funding, we intend to expand the already successful cellular and biological-based technology to indoor air purification by establishing a clear path to commercialisation through testing the new filtration system and conducting market and IP research.
