Microfiltration membranes are used to remove suspended solids, bacteria, and turbidity.
They are widely applied in beverage processing, water treatment, and as pre-filtration for finer membrane systems.

Microfiltration is based on size exclusion.

Technical parameters:
– Pore size: 0.1 – 10 µm
– Pressure: 0.1 – 3 bar

Ultrafiltration membranes are used to remove macromolecules, colloids, bacteria, and viruses
in water treatment and industrial processes.

Ultrafiltration relies on size exclusion. Larger molecules are retained, while smaller molecules pass.

Parameters:
– Pore size: 0.01 – 0.1 µm
– Cut-off: 10–100 kDa
– Pressure: 2 – 5 bar

Nanofiltration membranes are used for selective removal of dissolved substances and partial desalination,
especially for water softening.

Nanofiltration combines size exclusion and solution-diffusion mechanisms.

Properties:
– Pore size: 1 – 10 nm
– Ion selectivity
– Pressure: 3 – 30 bar

Reverse osmosis membranes are used for near-complete desalination and purification of water
in industrial and drinking water applications.

RO is based on the solution-diffusion model. Water is pressed through the membrane under high pressure (20–120 bar),
while dissolved substances are retained.

Typical retention rates: up to 99 %

Symmetric membranes have a uniform structure and high mechanical stability but higher resistance.

Asymmetric membranes consist of a thin selective layer and a porous support, enabling high flux and performance.