Membranes

Ultrafiltration (UF) SystemsA finer filter than nature offers.

Ultrafiltration pushes water through a membrane with pores far smaller than a bacterium. It removes suspended solids, colloids, bacteria and viruses, giving clear water with a low silt density index.

Request a proposalHow it works
  1. 01Strainer
  2. 02Feed pump
  3. 03UF membrane
  4. 04Permeate tank
  5. 05Backwash
  6. 06Chemical clean

What it is

In plain words.

A UF membrane separates by size. Water and small dissolved molecules pass through its pores as permeate, while suspended solids, colloidal particles, bacteria, viruses and large organic molecules stay behind as concentrate. Unlike RO, UF does not remove dissolved salts, so it runs at much lower pressure. It needs no coagulants or disinfectants to do its job and fits into a compact skid.

UF is widely used ahead of RO, where it lowers the silt density index and keeps RO membranes from fouling. It also polishes treated sewage and effluent for reuse, and gives a steady quality of water whatever the swings in the feed. The membranes need periodic cleaning, and we set up the cleaning system and schedule as part of design, installation and maintenance.

How it works

Stage by stage.

  1. Strainer

    A screen or disc filter removes larger particles that could damage the fine membrane fibres.

  2. Feed pump

    A pump provides the modest pressure difference that drives water through the membrane.

  3. UF membrane

    Water passes through the pores. Colloids, bacteria, viruses and suspended solids are held back.

  4. Permeate tank

    Filtered water is stored for use, or sent on to RO as clean feed.

  5. Backwash

    Short reverse flushes at regular intervals lift solids off the membrane surface and keep flux up.

  6. Chemical clean

    Alkaline detergent or citric acid is circulated periodically to remove organic or mineral fouling.

Options

Built to suit the site.

  • UF for RO feed

    Placed ahead of RO to lower silt density index and extend the life of RO membranes.

  • UF for reuse

    Polishes biologically treated sewage or effluent so the water can be reused on site.

  • Standalone UF

    Gives clear, low-turbidity water from surface or borewell sources where dissolved salts are acceptable.

Where it's used

Industries and sites.

  • RO pre-treatment
  • Sewage reuse
  • Effluent recycling
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Food & beverage
  • Pulp & paper
  • Steel & power

See how we work with each industry →

What we deliver

One team, from survey to service.

  • 01

    Design

    Survey, water or effluent analysis, process design and sizing for your site.

  • 02

    Build

    Supply, fabrication, civil and mechanical works, installation and commissioning.

  • 03

    Automate

    PLC, SCADA and remote monitoring, so the plant can be seen and controlled from anywhere.

  • 04

    Maintain

    Operation, preventive maintenance and AMC under Zeal-Care, with written reports.

Questions

Asked before every project.

What is the difference between UF and RO?

UF removes particles, colloids, bacteria and viruses but lets dissolved salts through. RO removes dissolved salts too and needs much higher pressure. UF is often used to protect RO.

How is a UF membrane cleaned?

Routine backwashes keep it clear day to day. For organic fouling, a low-foam alkaline detergent at 0.6 to 1.0 percent is circulated for 40 to 60 minutes. For mineral fouling, 3 percent citric acid is circulated for 1 to 3 hours.

Does UF need chemicals to work?

Not for filtration itself. It works by size alone. Chemicals are used only for periodic membrane cleaning.

Membranes

Often built together.

Tell us about your site.

Share your flow, location and timeline. An engineer will review your requirement and call you back within one working day.

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