07 - Micro and Ultrafiltration PDF
07 - Micro and Ultrafiltration PDF
07 - Micro and Ultrafiltration PDF
Microfiltration (MF) and Ultrafiltration (UF) are filtration processes that operation on a physical sieving separation process. They are best used for the removal of suspended solids, Giardia, Crypotsporidum and the reduction of turbidity. They are also used as a pretreatment to desalination technologies such as nanofiltration and reverse osmosis.
Feed
Both MF and UF are not currently listed as a BAT, but are widely used in the industry.
Microfiltration/Ultrafiltration
Factors influencing performance are raw water characteristics, trans-membrane pressure, temperature, and regular monitoring and maintenance. Pretreatment A self backwashing 100 um strainer is often necessary to protect the membranes and moderate particulate loading. Depending on the raw water, a coagulant such as ferric chloride may be added to form pinfloc and help improve rejection. Maintenance It is necessary to monitor filtrate turbidity to give a rough indication of membrane integrity. Membrane integrity can be tested through a pressure decay test. In this test, pressurized air is applied to the membranes at a pressure less than would cause the air to flow through the membrane, and the pressure decay is measured. Regular monitoring of membrane performance is necessary to ensure the membrane system is operating at the most effective loading rate and backwash regime. Membrane life is typically estimated at 7+ years with manufacturer warranties covering 5 years. Waste Disposal Waste includes pretreatment waste, backwash flow, retentate flow (if applicable), and CIP waste. Waste streams are either discharged to the sewer or treated if discharging to surface waters. Waste streams being discharged to surface waters are typically processed for turbidity removal through settling ponds or other treatment systems. CIP waste is neutralized and usually combined with the rest of the waste. Benefits A low pressure process Can typically produce water of satisfactory turbidity with feed waters exceeding 100 NTU. MF and UF can receive state removal credits for Giardia and viruses up to 3 log and 4 log, respectively. However, virus removal is typically 0.5 log or less due to the smaller pore size of MF and UF.3 Limitations Membrane integrity and testing protocols are still under development. Some regulatory agencies are slow to accept MF applications.
Retentate
Microfiltration/Ultrafiltration
5.0 References
1. Trussell Technologies. "Desalination Technologies". Pasadena, 2008. Trussell
Technologies. 6/11/2008. <http://www.trusselltech.com/tech_desalination.asp>. 2. American Water Works Association, and American Society of Civil Engineers. Water Treatment Plant Design. Ed. Edward E. Baruth. Fourth ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Handbooks, 2005. 3. United States Environmental Protection Agency (2005). Technologies and Costs Document for the Final Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule and Final Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule. Office of Water, United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Contact Information
This Fact Sheet was produced by the TSCs Water Treatment Engineering Team. Please address any questions or comments to: Contact: Bob Jurenka Email: [email protected] Phone: (303) 445-2254 Web: http://www.usbr.gov/pmts/water/publications/primer.html
Revision Date: 09/20/10
Microfiltration/Ultrafiltration