The Ultrafiltration (UF) is a pressure-driven process of Membrane filtrationwhich is Separation of macromolecules, colloids and suspended solids from liquids. It is regarded as Fine filtration process and in terms of pore size lies between the Microfiltration and the Nanofiltration.
Typical pore diameters of ultrafiltration membranes are in the range of 1 to 100 nanometers (corresponding to a Molecular mass limit of around 1,000 to 500,000 Daltons).
Functional principle
In ultrafiltration, the medium to be separated is pumped at a pressure of approx. 1 to 10 bar pressed through a semi-permeable membrane.
- Water and small dissolved substances (e.g. salts, sugars, low-molecular organic compounds) pass through the membrane and form the Permeate.
- Macromolecules, colloids, bacteria and viruses are retained and remain in the Retentate.
The separation takes place primarily according to the Size exclusion principle (sieve effect): Particles that are larger than the pores cannot penetrate the membrane.
Properties of ultrafiltration membranes
Ultrafiltration membranes usually consist of Polymers (e.g. polysulfone, polyethersulfone, PVDF) or Ceramic materials (e.g. aluminum oxide, zirconium dioxide).
Important properties are:
- High retention rates for microorganisms and macromolecules
- Low operating pressure with simultaneous high flow rates
- Chemical and thermal stability (especially with ceramic membranes)
- Easy cleaning by rinsing or chemical regeneration
Areas of application
Ultrafiltration is used in numerous industries, including:
- Drinking water treatment (removal of bacteria, viruses and turbidity)
- Food industry (whey concentration, gelatine clarification, enzyme recovery)
- Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry (sterile filtration, concentration of proteins)
- Waste water treatment (Pretreatment for Reverse osmosisremoval of oil and emulsion residues)
Summary
Ultrafiltration offers a Efficient and environmentally friendly method for removing particles and biomolecules from liquids. Due to their low energy requirementwhich High filtration performance and the possibility of Automated cleaning sets them Centralized procedure modern membrane separation technology - both in industrial processes and in water treatment.
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