DEFINITION

Ultrafiltration is a highly efficient prodcess that works in decreasing the silt density index of the feed water, and eliminating substances that can cause membrane fouling. UF operations are generally used as pretreatment of seawater, municipal water, surface water, brackish and tap water, since reverse osmosis systems are vulnerable to certain particles damaging the membranes and reducing overall performance.

The operation and maintenance required by ultrafiltration system is not so different from reverse osmosis systems. To ascertain the correct operating conditions of the system, daily tracking of the feed pressure, pressure drop, temperature, permeate and feed flow is recommended. Periodic cleaning of the UF membranes is advised in response to system permeate rate drops of 10% or more.