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UF/NF/RO - A simple Brief
Ultrafiltration (UF), Nanofiltration (NF), and Reverse
Osmosis (RO) are membrane-based water filtration processes that differ mainly
in the size of particles they remove and the pressure required. Heres a
concise comparison:
1. Ultrafiltration (UF)
- Pore
Size: ~0.010.1 microns
- Removes:
Suspended solids, bacteria, some viruses, and large macromolecules
- Allows
Through: Salts, small organic molecules, and water
- Pressure
Needed: Low (110 bar)
- Typical
Use: Pretreatment for RO, wastewater treatment, drinking water
purification
2. Nanofiltration (NF)
- Pore
Size: ~0.001 microns
- Removes:
Most organic compounds, divalent and larger ions (e.g., calcium,
magnesium), viruses
- Allows
Through: Monovalent salts (e.g., sodium, chloride) partially
- Pressure
Needed: Moderate (430 bar)
- Typical
Use: Water softening, color and organic removal, partial desalination
3. Reverse Osmosis (RO)
- Pore
Size: ~0.0001 microns
- Removes:
Almost all dissolved salts, organics, bacteria, viruses
- Allows
Through: Essentially only water molecules
- Pressure
Needed: High (1580 bar depending on salinity)
- Typical Use: Desalination of seawater or brackish water, ultrapure water production
Key Differences at a Glance:
|
Feature |
UF |
NF |
RO |
|
Pore Size (m) |
0.010.1 |
~0.001 |
~0.0001 |
|
Salt Removal |
No |
Partial |
Yes (nearly all) |
|
Pressure (bar) |
110 |
430 |
1580 |
|
Energy Requirement |
Low |
Moderate |
High |
|
Primary Use |
Pretreatment |
Softening, organics |
Desalination |
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