UF filtration technology in the production of drinking and eating water

The United Nations report said that currently up to 2.2 billion people are living without clean water, while those without access to basic sanitation are up to 4.2 billion people. It is predicted that before 2030, about 60 countries will face serious water shortages.

Most of the shortage of clean water is concentrated mainly in poor and underdeveloped countries. Although developed countries do not have many water resources, they always have enough clean water for everyone. We can easily see images of people using clean water everywhere at public taps. very difficult to find in underdeveloped countries.

One of the technologies being used by developed countries to use water effectively to ensure clean water supply for everyone today is UF filtration technology. So what is “UF membrane technology” and its principles? How does it work and what benefits does it bring?

1. What is UF filtration technology?

UF filtration technology (Ultra Filtration or ultrafiltration) is a technology that separates pollutants from water sources using UF filtration membranes.

UF membrane is made of white, tubular hydrophilic PVC fibers with pore size of about 0.001 – 0.1 μm. Impurities mixed in water such as bacteria, grease, metals, colloids, suspended solids… are all removed. Water source treated through UF filter can remove 99.9% of bacteria, ensuring filtered water can be used directly at the tap.

2. Operating principle of UF filter membrane

Ultra Filtration (UF) is a filtration technology that uses low pressure to remove large particles from water sources. Under a pressure of 1.5~3kgf/cm², purified water, mineral salts and ion molecules smaller than the filter pores (0.1- 0.001 microns) will “sneak” through the membrane easily to create a source of pure water.

Ultrafiltration membranes can operate according to two principles:

– From outside to inside: The filter layer is located outside the membrane, the water flow with pollutants is pushed in from the outside into the filter membrane, all toxic substances are retained outside the filter membrane. Only clean mineral water, purified water after filtration is collected inside the filter membrane.

– From the inside out: The filter layer is located inside the membrane, water with pollutants is absorbed from inside the filter membrane. Clean filtered water is collected outside the filter membrane.

3. Advantages and disadvantages of UF filtration technology

Advantage

– Compact system, does not take up space, easy to install, simple and economical to operate.

– Use UF filter to filter dirt instead of chemicals.

– Does not create as much wastewater as RO membranes.

– Homogeneous structure and materials, do not change the chemical properties of water.

– The material is insoluble and does not mix with water.

– Takes place under normal temperature conditions of 0 ~ 35°C, low pressure conditions of 1 ~ 5 bar, low or no electricity consumption to help reduce costs.

Cons

– The UF filter is not good at filtering hard water because it cannot remove dissolved solids, requiring the use of other filtration equipment.

4. Applications of UF filtration technology

Currently this filtering technology is used in many prominent fields such as:

• Large-scale urban water supply plants
• Water purifiers for homes, companies, and factories.
• Filtering water for aquaculture.
• Treat industrial wastewater and reuse water.
• Used in manufacturing industries: pharmaceuticals, food, beverages…

In recent years, UF filtration technology has also gradually been popularized in Vietnam and received love and interest. NGO is one of the companies with many years of experience providing water filtration solutions using UF technology for businesses and families. If you have any needs, please contact NGO for specific advice!