What a Membrane Plate Does

A membrane plate exchanger uses a selective membrane instead of bare metal foil between the airstreams. Water vapour passes through the membrane while the air stays fully separated. You get latent (moisture) recovery with no moving parts and no stream mixing.

Key Selection Parameters

• Membrane type - standard vapour-permeable or engineered for higher flux
• Channel geometry - counterflow reaches higher effectiveness than crossflow
• Face velocity - keep within the band that balances effectiveness and pressure drop
• Condensate management - membranes condense on the exhaust side and need safe drainage

When to Choose Membrane

• You need humidity control but cannot accept a rotary wheel
• Isolation is mandatory (hospitals, labs, cleanrooms)
• You want no motor, seals, or bearings in the airstream

Size and Verify

Size like a plate core but confirm the latent effectiveness at your humidity ratio, not just the temperature. Check the EN 308 or AHRI 1060 rating at the actual operating point and confirm the drain path.