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MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY

Osmosis is a natural phenomenon, without which life would be made impossible. Osmotic processes enable plants to absorb nutrients from the ground. Our kidneys purify blood in our kidneys by means of osmosis.

Although osmosis has been discovered and studied as early as 1850, it has taken us until 1960 to be able to apply the process for water desalination.

Membrane filtration has always been regarded as as futuristic, expensive and complex process for a very long time. However due to extensive research and technological advancement over the last 15 years this process has developed to a mature and reliable technique, which is very usable for drinking water purification.

WHAT IS A FILTRATION MEMBRANE

A filtration membrane is a thin polymer material coated on to the surface of a supporting fabric. The polymer membrane is asymmetric in configuration and will allow water to pass through bit it will hold back materials which are dissolved or suspended in the water down to very low levels. The membrane is then assembled into a spiral filter module.

ULTRAFILTRATION

Filters down to about 0.001 micron and works at a low pressure of 2-4 bar. UF membranes can retain virtually all suspended solids, emulsified oils, bacteria and viruses including Crytosporidium. It also removes high molecular weight organics such as laundry detergents etc. when associated with lipids in suspension.

NANOFILTRATION

Filters down to about 0.001 micron or one nanometre. NF membranes need a high pressure of 7-10 bar and can retain a higher proportion of dissolved salts than UF but not as many as RO. They are used for colour removal from waste water and from river / canal / moorland sources.

Our UF and Nanofilters are manufactured as spiral filter modules as shown here. They are inserted in either stainless steel or GRP housings for normal operation.