Drinking Water Ultrafiltration Systems

Ultrafiltration systems use a membrane filtration process similar to reverse osmosis which purifies and disinfects water. An ultrafiltration UF water purifier is used to remove essentially all colloidal particles as well as dissolved contaminants. Previously, ultrafiltration systems were only used in hospitals and large municipal applications but now they are available as an whole house or undersink water purification system.

Ultrafiltration uses standard home water pressure to push water through its semi-permeable membrane. Suspended particles and materials of high molecular weight are unable to pass through the ultrafiltration membrane, allowing only fresh, clean water and dissolved minerals to pass through. Basically, a membrane barrier acts like a filter using slight pressure to separate particles like bacteria, viruses, germs, pollen, algae, and organic molecules from the water.

Ultrafiltration vs Reverse Osmosis

There is no real difference between ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, microfiltration or nanofiltration, other than the size of the molecules it retains.

The benefits of ultrafiltration is that it is an environmentally friendly technology (no waste water) and no chemicals required. It delivers constant product quality no matter the feed quality. Ultrafiltration exceeds regulatory standards of water quality and has over 99.9% bacteria and pathogen removal. Also, a UF membrane filter lasts much longer than a conventional filter (years versus months).