Nanofiltteröinti

Nanofiltteröinti, also known as nanofiltration, is a membrane filtration process used to separate molecules based on their size. It operates with pore sizes typically ranging from 1 to 10 nanometers. This allows for the removal of larger dissolved molecules, such as multivalent ions, organic molecules with molecular weights above 300-500 Daltons, and suspended solids, while permitting smaller molecules and monovalent ions to pass through.

The process is driven by pressure, similar to reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration. Nanofiltration membranes are characterized by their rejection rates for various substances. They are commonly employed in water treatment for applications like softening of hard water by removing divalent cations (like calcium and magnesium), demineralization, and the removal of specific organic contaminants. In the food and beverage industry, nanofiltration is used for concentrating juice, de-salting whey, and removing color from sugar solutions. It also finds applications in the pharmaceutical industry for purification and separation of molecules. Nanofiltration offers an intermediate level of separation between ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, making it a versatile technology for various industrial and environmental purposes.