Technology

DYNAMIC ANTI-FOULING

The Vibro^® anti-fouling mechanism localises turbulence at the membrane surface and minimizes build-up, supporting longer run times and more consistent performance.

Uniform, controllable TMP

VMF maintains a uniform, adjustable TMP across the entire membrane area, enabling precise process control, higher transmission and sharper separations.

OPEN, drainable design

VMF’s open, easy-to-clean Free Flow Plate™ modules enable the processing of highly concentrated, viscous media. The fully drainable design maximizes product recovery.

The vibro® Technology

Unlike conventional cross-flow or tangential flow filtration (TFF), where rapid flow creates turbulence not only at the membrane surface but throughout the system, the dynamic Vibro^® filtration technology vibrates the membrane relative to the liquid medium.

The result is localised turbulence exactly where it matters, without energy- and shear intensive pumping of the process medium. The reduced liquid flow rates eliminate the high pressure drops known from TFF and allows the process to be controlled at low, uniform transmembrane pressure (TMP) which is critical for high transmission of large molecules.

Coupling the open, unrestricted flow channel of the Vibro^® technology with the independence of the liquid flow rate opens new possibilities of membrane filtration; for instance by eliminating the need for pre-clarification steps, or making single pass processing possible – everything within the same single technical solution.

LOW SYSTEM SHEAR

VMF mitigates fouling using targeted vibrations rather than feed velocity, which reduces overall system shear stress significantly and preserves product quality.

MODULAR, SCALABLE DESIGN

Thanks to its modular design, VMF is seamlessly scalable from lab scale to full industrial production, ensuring predictable results and minimal process adjustments.

Energy Efficiency

Lower feed velocities and minimal pressure loss mean significantly reduced energy requirements, making Vibro^® technology a sustainable choice for modern bioprocessing.

How Vibro^® Membrane Filtration (VMF) Works

Linearly scalable from lab to industrial scale

Vibro^® Membrane Filtration (VMF) is linearly and seamlessly scalable from lab to industrial production, making it suitable for both the smallest research and test applications with a feed volume of no more than 20 mL as well as large industrial operations.

MODULAR DESIGN

VMF offers consistent performance from lab to industrial scale, with a modular design that ensures predictable results and minimizes process adjustments.

FDA- and gmp-compliant

All VMF solutions meet regulatory standards in pharma and biotech, thereby facilitating faster process validation and approval.

SIMPLE OPERATION

VMF is very easy to set up and use, which reduces operator errors and improves process consistency while scaling.

Lab-Scale Vibro^® Solutions

FLEXIBLE & ADAPTABLE

VMF is compatible with various process fluids and viscosities as well as easy to integrate with and adapt to existing systems, which accommodates diverse bioprocessing needs and future process changes.

SMARTER FACILITY DESIGN

VMF optimizes and intensifies downstream processing and can even replace certain steps such as centrifugation, resulting in fewer units and a streamlined, easier-to-scale design.

Industry-Scale Vibro^® Solutions

VIBRO^® TECHNOLOGY in Micro- and ultrafiltration

microfiltration

Microfiltration is a filtration process that removes suspended solids, bacteria, cells, and other large particulates from liquids. It works by passing a fluid through a microporous filtration material, typically with pore sizes ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 micrometres. Molecules smaller than the membrane pores such as water, salts, peptides and most small proteins pass through as permeate, while larger entities like cells, microbes, and colloidal particles are retained by the filter.

ultrafiltration

Ultrafiltration is a pressure-driven membrane process used to separate macromolecules and colloids from smaller solutes and solvents. The membranes used have much finer pores (typically 1–100 nanometres), allowing water, salts, and small organic molecules to pass through, while retaining larger species such as proteins, viruses, antibodies, and colloidal particles.

HOW VMF IMPROVES Micro- And Ultrafiltration

THREE operation modes, ONE SYSTEM

Vibro^® Membrane Filtration (VMF) is a highly adaptable platform designed to support batch, continuous, and single‑pass processing within a single system. By enabling precise control of process parameters and maintaining stable performance independent of flow conditions, VMF allows customers to choose the operating mode that best fits their process objectives — without compromising efficiency, product quality, or yield.

(FEd-) BATCH PROCESSING

In batch processing, VMF excels in concentration applications where viscosity and solids content increase over time. Its ability to operate effectively at low flow, combined with vibration-driven fouling control, ensures stable flux and high transmission throughout the batch. TMP can be adjusted to drive concentration as needed, while the fully drainable design maximizes product recovery — resulting in efficient, high-yield processing even for challenging feeds.

Image: Example integration of VMF in a batch process.

CONTINUOUS PROCESSING

VMF provides the steady, reliable performance required for true continuous operation. A uniform TMP across the membrane ensures consistent separation, while minimal fouling supports long, uninterrupted run times. The system’s low-shear operation protects sensitive products, and its modular, compact design allows easy integration and scale-up within continuous manufacturing environments.

Image: Example integration of VMF in a continuous concentration process.

Single-pass PROCESSING

In single-pass processing, VMF enables efficient separation without recirculation within a single membrane unit. The uniform TMP distribution creates a consistent driving force along the entire membrane, ensuring predictable and sustainable performance in one pass. High transmission and low fouling maintain efficiency throughout the module, while adjustable TMP allows precise tuning of separation targets—delivering simplified, high-performance single-pass operation.

Image: Example integration of VMF in a single-pass process.