NIPS hollow fiber membrane spinneret 20 holes for membrane spinning

10.Technical architecture: FCT 5th-generation independent spinneret core technology

11.Collaboration details and technical enhancements (based on FCT 5th-generation upgrade)

In 2019, as a leading player in China's membrane technology sector, Jiuwu faced dual challenges while expanding high-performance ultrafiltration capacity: a throughput bottleneck with multi hole spinnerets and difficult maintenance with conventional structures. Leveraging the FCT 5th-generation pinless independent spinneret core technology, Trustech implemented a 20 hole modular design with precision flow-control optimization. This not only boosted single-plate capacity by about 3x but also, with high reliability, enabled Jiuwu to deploy 23 spinnerets at scale in 2020—totaling 460 orifices—and laid the groundwork for long-term strategic cooperation.

I. Core breakthroughs of FCT 5th-generation technology: balanced control of a high-density 20 hole flow field

● Pinless independent spinneret core architecture: Threaded connections replace traditional pin fastening, Trustech FCT spinneret allowing each spinneret core to be independently installed and removed. During maintenance, only the faulty spinneret core needs replacement (completed within 10 minutes), preventing scrapping of the entire plate and greatly reducing maintenance costs.

● Multi-layer flow-channel balancing: A conical buffer flow path plus cross shaped distributor design keeps flow velocity variation across the 20 orifices under 3% (vs. >10% for conventional multi hole plates) and stabilizes fiber wall-thickness deviation within 0.006 mm.

II. NIPS process adaptability: improved porosity and flux consistency

● Precise control of aperture gradient: With three stage orifice tolerances of 1.600±0.002 mm / 0.900±0.002 mm / 0.500±0.004 mm and assembly concentricity of 0.003 mm, membrane porosity and water flux met customer targets.

● Rapid phase separation tuning: Addressing solvent (e.g., DMAC) and non-solvent (water) diffusion requirements in NIPS, an anti-swelling structure at the spinneret core outlet controls phase separation to form uniform finger like pores, avoiding overdevelopment of sponge like pores and enhancing antifouling performance.

III. From trials to mass production: scaled leap to 460 orifices

● 2019 validation of the first 20 holes spinneret: Trustech single plate daily output reached 1,200 m² of membrane fiber, 20x higher than the customer's original single orifice equipment; tensile strength and flux consistency passed third party testing.

● 2020 repeat order of 23 sets and 460 orifices deployment: Based on first year results, Jiuwu purchased 23 additional spinnerets from Trustech, bringing total orifices to 460. This supported production line expansion, raising daily capacity to 27,000 m² and significantly lowering costs.

● Long term collaboration extension: In recent years, both parties have co-developed spinnerets for chlorine-oxidation-resistant membranes for high-salinity wastewater and membranes for the new energy sector, while exploring NIPS and TIPS applications in next-generation membranes.

IV. Economic benefits and industry value

● Breakthrough in capacity density: The 20 hole design delivers 3–4x higher line productivity than the industry's typical 4–6 hole spinnerets, ensuring mass production support for large scale water projects (e.g., municipal and industrial wastewater).

● Accelerated domestic substitution: With trustech FCT 5th-generation precision (±0.002 mm) on par with international brands and at a slightly lower price, Jiuwu replaced imported equipment and increased market share .

V. Case summary: threefold synergy of technology, capacity, and ecosystem

● Capacity flexibility: The modular design enables rapid scaling from pilot lines (20 holes) to mass production lines (460 holes), responding to market fluctuations.

● Technological foresight: The pinless structure and high-precision flow control provide an upgrade path from NIPS to greener processes such as APS (aqueous-phase separation).

● Industry impact: The project outcomes helped position Jiuwu as a leading enterprise in China's membrane-based water treatment industry.