Nanofiltering

Nanofiltering is a membrane-based separation process that utilizes membranes with pore sizes in the nanometer range, typically between 1 and 10 nanometers. This size range allows nanofilters to effectively remove dissolved salts, multivalent ions, and larger organic molecules from a fluid stream while permitting smaller molecules and water to pass through. The process operates at relatively low pressures compared to reverse osmosis, making it an energy-efficient method for specific separation tasks.

The primary application of nanofiltering lies in water treatment. It can be used for demineralization, softening of hard water by removing calcium and magnesium ions, and the reduction of organic contaminants, including pesticides and herbicides. In the food and beverage industry, nanofiltering finds use in concentrating juices, de-acidifying wine, and removing colorants or specific proteins from dairy products. It also plays a role in the pharmaceutical industry for the purification of active pharmaceutical ingredients and the recovery of valuable components from waste streams. The selection of a nanofilter depends on the specific molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) of the membrane, which indicates the molecular weight of the smallest molecule that will be rejected by the membrane.