Ultrafiltration (UF) Systems
Physical Barrier Filtration for Reliable Water Treatment
Hollow-fiber membrane technology providing consistent turbidity removal and pathogen control for diverse water treatment applications.
What It Does & How It Works
Ultrafiltration systems employ hollow-fiber membranes with pore sizes ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 microns to physically remove suspended solids, bacteria, viruses, and high molecular weight organics from water. The technology operates through size exclusion, where contaminants larger than the membrane pores are retained while water and dissolved salts pass through. Our UF systems feature outside-in flow configuration for optimal fouling resistance and cleaning efficiency. The hollow-fiber design maximises surface area per unit volume while maintaining mechanical strength for long-term operation. Backwashing cycles using filtered water or air-water combinations remove accumulated contaminants, maintaining membrane performance. Advanced control systems monitor transmembrane pressure and permeate quality to optimise cleaning cycles and predict membrane replacement requirements. The technology operates at relatively low pressures (10-50 psi), reducing energy consumption compared to RO systems. UF systems can achieve turbidity levels below 0.1 NTU and log removal values exceeding 6 for bacteria and 4 for viruses, making them ideal for pretreatment applications and direct potable reuse systems.
UF Key Benefits & Applications
Key Benefits
Consistent Performance
Delivers reliable turbidity removal regardless of feed water quality variations, ensuring downstream process protection and regulatory compliance
Low Energy Requirements:
Operates at lower pressures than RO systems, reducing energy costs while maintaining high removal efficiency for particles and pathogens
Chemical-Free Operation
Physical separation process requires minimal chemical addition, reducing operational costs and environmental impact
Compact Footprint
High packing density of hollow-fiber membranes minimises space requirements compared to conventional filtration systems
Application Areas
RO Pretreatment
Protects downstream RO membranes from fouling, extending membrane life and maintaining system performance in industrial and municipal applications
Tertiary Treatment
Provides final polishing in wastewater treatment plants, enabling water reuse for irrigation, industrial processes, and indirect potable applications
Industrial Process Water
Ensures consistent water quality for manufacturing processes sensitive to suspended solids and biological contamination
Surface Water Treatment
Processes lake and river water for municipal supply, removing seasonal variations in turbidity and biological contaminants