Ultrafiltration (UF) is a variety of membrane filtration in which forces like pressure or concentration gradients lead to a separation through a semipermeable membrane. Suspended solids and solutes of high molecular weight are retained in the so-called retentate, while water and low molecular weight solutes pass through the membrane in the permeate (filtrate).
Advantages of Ultra Filtration
UF membranes are available in various sizes, making the process suitable for many different separations.
Because UF separates without phase change, energy consumption is low, varying with the application.
With UF, separation and concentration can be performed at low pressures, conversions can be high, colloids can be effectively removed, and macromolecular species can be concentrated.
UF is particularly suitable to applications involving temperature-sensitive materials.
UF systems are simple and compact. Operation can be restored relatively easily after shutdown.