Ultra filtration is process by which suspended
materials and macromolecules are separated from wastewater by using
membrane and pressure differential. The pressure differential in this
method is lower than that of reverse osmosis. Unlike reverse osmosis it
does not rely on overcoming osmotic effects. For dilute solutions of
large polymerized macromolecules, this process is fruitful.
In microfiltration, membrane filter separates particles according to
pore size. The membrane used in this ultrafiltration system acts as a
molecular sieve. The ultrafilter used in the process is selectively
permeable membrane which does not allow macromolecules above a certain
size to pass through. It also retains colloids, microorganisms and
pyrogens. However smaller molecules like solvents and ionized
contaminants pass into the filtrate.
The function that Ultrafiltration processes perform are feed
clarification, concentration of rejected solutes and fractionation of
solutes. Ultrafiltration (UF) however is not so effective against
organic streams.
Pores of the surface layer of the membrane is relatively smaller than
the pores in the support layer of the membrane. Material that passes
through the fine pores can readily be transported through the
sponge-like structure of the support layer.
Whenever the mixture of solvent passes through the membrane some of the
materials are retained that when get concentrated resist the flow. Thus
when the solution is processed this localized concentration of solute
usually lead to the precipitation of a solute gel over the membrane. Due
to this, by controlling the rate of transport through the polarization
layer the permeate rate can be effectively controlled.
Advantages
Following are the advantages of Ultrafiltration:
- Removes particles, pyrogens, microorganisms, and colloids above
their rated size effectively.
- Highest quality of water is produced using least amount of
energy.
- They are easy to install.
- Maintenance is cheaper and easier.
Applications of Ultrafiltration
Ultrafiltration is used for following applications:
- For biological molecule concentration.
- For recovering electropaint.
- Waste treatment of oil emulsion.
- Whey treatment in dairy industries.
- Waste treatment of pulp mill.
- Producing pure water for electronics industry.
- For concentrating textile sizing.
- Heat sensitive proteins concentration for food additives.
- Gelatin concentration.
- Preparing Enzyme and pharmaceutical products.
Buying Tips
Ultrafiltration Membrane 
