3M Liqui-Cel™ EXF-4×13 Membrane Contactor

Overview

High-Efficiency Membrane Gas Transfer

The 3M Liqui-Cel EXF-4×13 Membrane Contactor is part of the acclaimed Liqui-Cel™ EXF series — a family of membrane contactors engineered by 3M for dissolved gas control in liquid systems. These contactors replace conventional degassing methods with advanced hollow fiber membrane technology, enabling efficient and non-contact gas transfer without chemical additives. 

Membrane contactors like the EXF-4×13 are widely used in industrial processes where dissolved gases — such as oxygen (O₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and others — must be reduced to very low levels to protect product integrity, improve analytical measurements, or enhance downstream process performance. 

Technology & Operation

The core of the Liqui-Cel technology is the microporous hollow fiber membrane, which provides an extremely large membrane surface area in a compact module. Liquid flows around the outside of these hollow fibers while a vacuum and/or sweep gas is applied inside the fibers to drive gas removal or transfer. This creates a concentration gradient that efficiently moves dissolved gases from the liquid phase to the gas phase — without direct contact between gas and liquid phases. 

Unlike traditional degassing towers or vacuum stripping systems, membrane contactors provide:

• High gas transfer efficiency in a compact footprint

• Low maintenance and no chemical consumables

• Modular scalability using parallel or series configurations

• Improved process control and repeatability 

Key Features

• Microporous hollow fiber membrane: Provides high surface area for optimized gas transfer. 

• Non-chemical operation: Eliminates the need for stripping chemicals or thermal degassers. 

• Efficient dissolved gas removal: Effective for oxygen, CO₂, and other gases from liquids. 

• Compact, lightweight design: Facilitates integration into existing process lines. 

• Low instrumentation requirement: Simplifies system design and reduces operational cost. 

Typical Applications

The 3M Liqui-Cel EXF-4×13 Membrane Contactor is suitable for a broad range of industrial and laboratory uses, including:

Industrial & Process Water Treatment

• Removal of dissolved oxygen to prevent corrosion in boilers and heat exchangers

• Degassing feedwater for analytical instruments 

Industrial Chemical Processing

• Control of gas content in liquids to improve reaction consistency and product quality

• Protection of sensitive process streams from oxidative degradation 

Power Generation & Energy

• Dissolved gas removal for high purity water systems

• Feedwater conditioning to minimize boiler and turbine corrosion 

Analytical & Laboratory Systems

• Gas control in HPLC, TOC, and other precision analytical setups

Manufacturing & Electronics

• Removal of dissolved gases in ultrapure water used in semiconductor fabrication 

Benefits & Performance

• Improved process stability through consistent dissolved gas control

• Reduced mechanical breakdowns by eliminating gas-induced cavitation

• Lower operational costs via reduced chemical and energy use

• Flexible design capable of meeting varied flow rate and gas transfer needs 

FAQ

What is a membrane contactor?

A membrane contactor is a device that uses hollow fiber membranes to facilitate mass transfer of gases between a liquid and a gas phase without direct mixing, enabling efficient gas removal or infusion. 

Which gases can the EXF-4×13 remove?

Typical dissolved gases include oxygen (O₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and other gases depending on process conditions and sweep/vacuum strategy. 

Can membrane contactors be scaled for larger flows?

Yes — EXF modules can be arranged in series or parallel to treat higher liquid flow rates or achieve deeper gas removal. 

Does this product require chemicals to operate?

No — membrane contactors operate physically, using vacuum or sweep gas rather than chemicals. 

Is this product suitable for food & beverage applications?

Certain Liqui-Cel products are designed for food & beverage processing, though specific designations depend on certification; check product details before use. 

Call to Action

Enhance your industrial liquid handling and dissolved gas control with the 3M Liqui-Cel EXF-4×13 Membrane Contactor. Contact Seven Star LLC for pricing, availability, technical support, and configuration guidance.