Ultrafiltration UF Membrane
Separation of bacteria, viruses, colloids and macromolecules with membranes of 0.01–0.1 µm pore size.
What Is Ultrafiltration?
Ultrafiltration (UF) is a separation technology that physically retains bacteria, viruses, colloidal particles and high molecular weight organic matter in water using membranes with a pore size of 0.01–0.1 micron.
UF is used both as a standalone treatment stage and as a pre-filter ahead of RO (reverse osmosis). In MBR (Membrane Bioreactor) systems it works integrated with biological treatment.
UF Membrane Types
Hollow Fiber
High packing density. Used in MBR and drinking water applications. Can be backwashed.
Flat Sheet
Submerged-type MBR applications. Easy maintenance and replacement.
Tubular
For waters with a high suspended solids content. Fouling-resistant, for industrial applications.
Application Areas
Water & Wastewater Treatment
- Pre-filter ahead of RO (lowering SDI)
- MBR systems (biological + membrane)
- Drinking water disinfection
- Tertiary treatment (discharge polishing)
Industrial Applications
- Food & beverage (milk, fruit juice)
- Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
- Paint and ink recovery
- Oil-water emulsion breaking
Technical Characteristics
Related Technologies
Treatment technologies GESU engineers and manufactures.
Biological treatment combined with membrane separation; compact footprint, effluent ready for reuse.
Fill-react-settle-decant cycles in a single tank; flexible for variable loads.
Carrier media biofilm process; capacity upgrade without enlarging the tank.
Chemical conditioning that turns colloids into settleable/floatable flocs.
High-pressure membrane desalination and polishing for water reuse.
Thickening, conditioning and dewatering — filter press, belt press, decanter.
Chemical and biological washing towers for odour, acid and alkaline gas control.
GESU's flagship product: oil, grease and TSS removal, manufactured in-house.
From GESU Manufacturing
GESU ultrafiltration (UF) system — our own manufacturing
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Ultrafiltration — Frequently Asked Questions
We have gathered the questions our customers ask most often. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, get in touch with us.
How does ultrafiltration (UF) work?
UF is pressurised (1-3 bar) membrane filtration that retains suspended solids, colloids and bacteria at high efficiency through a pore opening of 0.01-0.1 µm (where virus safety is required, it is complemented by UV or chlorination). Spiral-wound, hollow fiber or plate modules are available. Cleaning by backwash and CIP is the standard. It is the standard pre-treatment ahead of RO.
In which industries is it used?
RO pre-treatment, drinking water (turbidity + bacteria removal), process water, water reuse, MBR systems, pharmaceuticals and food.
Energy consumption?
UF energy consumption is low: 0.1-0.5 kWh/m³ (low pressure).
What are the alternatives?
Alternatives: sand filter + multimedia + microfiltration (three separate stages), activated carbon. The advantage of UF: high efficiency in a single stage, a strong barrier against bacteria and suspended solids, compact.