Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-07-15 Origin: Site
Ultrafiltration systems are frequently designed around a specific membrane module size, connection arrangement, filtration direction and cleaning sequence. When an existing module reaches the end of its service life, replacing it with another brand is therefore more complicated than simply selecting a membrane with a similar filtration area.
JX Purification provides project-specific TIPS PVDF ultrafiltration membrane modules for customers evaluating an alternative to the Hydranautics HYDRAcap MAX 80 module.
Our objective is to help system owners reduce replacement and operating costs while maintaining dependable filtration performance. Before recommending any replacement module, our engineering team evaluates the original module dimensions, connections, membrane characteristics, operating flux, cleaning program and site water conditions.
Compatibility must always be confirmed on a project-by-project basis.
The HYDRAcap MAX 80 is a pressurized capillary ultrafiltration module manufactured by Hydranautics, a Nitto Group company.
According to the official product specification, the module uses TIPS PVDF hollow-fiber membrane technology and operates with an outside-to-inside filtration direction. It can be operated in dead-end or crossflow mode. The nominal pore size is 0.08 microns, and the nominal membrane area is 105 square metres.
The published fiber dimensions are:
Hollow-fiber inner diameter: 0.6 mm
Hollow-fiber outer diameter: 1.2 mm
Nominal membrane area: 105 m²
Nominal pore size: 0.08 µm
Filtration direction: outside-in
The official specification lists a typical filtrate flow range of 3.6–11.6 m³/h and a typical flux range of 34–110 L/m²/h. Published typical filtrate quality includes turbidity of no more than 0.10 NTU and bacteria removal of at least 4 log under appropriate operating conditions.
These values describe the original HYDRAcap MAX 80 module. The actual performance of any UF system still depends on feedwater quality, temperature, pretreatment, recovery, operating cycle and cleaning conditions.
Many UF installations remain mechanically operational for years, while their membrane modules must be replaced periodically. During replacement planning, operators may encounter several commercial and technical challenges.
Common reasons for evaluating an alternative include:
High replacement cost of imported original modules
Long delivery times
Limited local inventory
Need for a secondary qualified supplier
Expansion of an existing UF system
Replacement of discontinued or difficult-to-source modules
Requirement for customized or private-label modules
Desire to reduce lifecycle operating expenses
A properly evaluated alternative can help improve purchasing flexibility. However, membrane selection should not be based on price or external dimensions alone.
The replacement module must also be compatible with the hydraulic design, piping arrangement, air-scour system, cleaning chemicals and PLC operating sequence.
Before replacing a HYDRAcap MAX 80 module, the following technical details should be reviewed.
The official HYDRAcap MAX 80 specification lists an overall A dimension of approximately 2,340.6 mm. Other published reference dimensions include 2,110.9 mm and 2,232.7 mm, depending on the measurement points shown in the original drawing.
Even a small dimensional difference can affect:
Header alignment
Module support position
Rack height
Pipe spacing
Maintenance clearance
Module installation and removal
The original dimensional drawing should therefore be reviewed before production.
The original HYDRAcap MAX 80 uses 2-inch Victaulic pipe connections.
A potential replacement should be checked for:
Connection diameter
Coupling type
Connection centreline
Feed, concentrate and filtrate port locations
Drain and air inlet arrangement
Required adapters
Using the same nominal connection size does not automatically guarantee direct installation.
From left to right : Filtrate/Feed/Air , Filtrate/Concentrate, Air . Same with original Hydracap Max 80 .
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The original module has a nominal membrane area of 105 m² and a published typical filtrate flow range of 3.6–11.6 m³/h.
A replacement module should be selected according to the actual design flux rather than only the maximum published flow.
Important project information includes:
Normal production flow per module
Peak production flow
Feedwater temperature
Feed turbidity
Organic loading
Required recovery
Filtration cycle duration
Number of modules operating per train
HYDRAcap MAX 80 uses TIPS PVDF hollow fibers with a nominal pore size of 0.08 µm.
JX Purification also manufactures UF modules using TIPS PVDF membrane technology. Depending on the project, the membrane configuration can be designed to provide suitable mechanical strength, chemical resistance and filtration performance.
However, nominal pore size alone does not define complete equivalence. Fiber structure, pore distribution, surface properties, potting quality and module hydraulics must also be considered.
The original specification lists:
Maximum applied feed pressure: 5.0 bar at or below 20°C
Maximum TMP: 2.0 bar
Reduced allowable feed pressure at higher temperatures
The published feed-pressure limit decreases to 4 bar between 21°C and 30°C and 3 bar between 31°C and 40°C.
A replacement evaluation should confirm:
Normal feed pressure
Maximum feed pressure
Normal TMP
TMP alarm value
TMP shutdown value
Backpressure conditions
Operating temperature
The replacement module should never be selected only according to its room-temperature pressure rating.
The HYDRAcap MAX 80 specification gives an operating pH range of 2–11 and a cleaning pH range of 1–13. It also lists sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and citric acid as cleaning chemicals.
Before introducing an alternative membrane, the operator should provide the existing cleaning procedure, including:
Chemical type
Chemical concentration
Cleaning temperature
Circulation time
Soaking time
Cleaning frequency
Chlorine concentration
Total chemical exposure
The cleaning program may need to be reviewed even when both products use PVDF membrane material.
HYDRAcap MAX 80 and JX Alternative: Evaluation Table
Parameter | HYDRAcap MAX 80 published data | JX project-specific alternative |
|---|---|---|
Membrane technology | TIPS PVDF | TIPS PVDF |
Configuration | Capillary UF | Capillary UF |
Filtration direction | Outside-in | Designed according to project |
Nominal pore size | 0.08 µm | Selected according to requirement |
Nominal membrane area | 105 m² | Configured after technical review |
Fiber ID/OD | 0.6/1.2 mm | Confirmed for selected model |
Typical flow | 3.6–11.6 m³/h | Based on water quality and design flux |
Connection | 2-inch Victaulic | Compatible connection available |
Operating pH | 2–11 | Model-specific |
Cleaning pH | 1–13 | Model-specific |
Air scour | Required | Existing sequence must be reviewed |
Private label | Original brand | OEM branding available |
Factory inspection | Manufacturer QC | 100% module inspection before shipment |
This table is intended for preliminary evaluation only. Final compatibility must be based on approved drawings, operating data and technical confirmation.
JX TIPS UF Membrane Quality Inspection
Every JX TIPS UF membrane module is inspected before shipment.Dimensional Inspection
The module body, connection locations and critical installation dimensions are checked against the approved drawing.
The membrane module is filled and pressurized with water to inspect the housing, connectors and sealing components for visible leakage.
After the water-pressure test, controlled compressed air is introduced from the feed side. The permeate-side observation line is checked for continuous bubbles that may indicate fiber or sealing defects.
The housing surface, end caps, fittings, couplings, labels and protective packaging are checked before release.
Customers can review our detailed guide to the UF membrane water-pressure and air-integrity testing process for additional information.
A project-specific HYDRAcap MAX 80 alternative may be evaluated for:
Surface-water clarification
Drinking-water treatment
Reverse-osmosis pretreatment
Seawater-desalination pretreatment
Industrial process-water treatment
Tertiary wastewater treatment
Wastewater recycling
Cooling-water treatment
Boiler-feed-water pretreatment
The suitability of the module depends on the complete feedwater analysis and system operating conditions.
To evaluate compatibility, please provide:
Original membrane brand and model
Quantity of modules
Original technical data sheet
Module and rack photographs
Connection and dimensional drawings
Feedwater source
Complete water analysis
Design and current flow per module
Operating pressure and TMP
Filtration and air-scour sequence
Chemical-cleaning procedure
Required certifications
Target delivery schedule
Based on this information, our engineering team can determine whether a standard module, modified module or fully customized design is required.
A direct installation may be possible when the dimensions, connection locations and hydraulic requirements are compatible. The original drawing and rack photographs must be checked before confirmation.
The target membrane area can be selected according to the original system design. Final area and performance must be stated in the approved JX technical data sheet.
Possibly, but the original air flow, pressure, duration and frequency must be reviewed. PLC settings should not be copied automatically without technical confirmation.
Trial evaluation can be discussed according to the project quantity, operating conditions and required module configuration.
JX UF modules undergo factory inspection, including sealing and integrity-related testing, before shipment.
Yes. Module labels, packaging and documentation can be customized for qualified OEM and distributor projects.
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Replacing a Hydranautics HYDRAcap MAX 80 module requires more than matching the nominal pore size or membrane area. Dimensions, connections, fiber configuration, operating pressure, cleaning chemicals, air-scour requirements and system controls must all be evaluated.
JX Purification provides project-specific TIPS PVDF UF membrane modules, engineering review, factory inspection and customized branding for customers seeking a cost-effective alternative supply option.
Send us the original module model, technical data sheet, system photographs and operating information to begin the compatibility evaluation.
Contact JX Purification
Website: www.jx-purification.com
Email: info@jx-purification.com
HYDRAcap and Hydranautics are trademarks of their respective owners. JX Purification is not affiliated with, authorized by or endorsed by Hydranautics or Nitto. Brand and model names are used solely to identify the customer’s existing equipment and to support technical compatibility evaluation.
