Ultrafiltrationskartuschen

Ultrafiltration is a membrane filtration process used to separate molecules in a solution based on their molecular weight. It utilizes semipermeable membranes with pore sizes that allow solvent molecules and smaller solutes to pass through, while retaining larger molecules, colloids, and suspended solids. The driving force for ultrafiltration is typically a pressure difference across the membrane.

The process can be employed in various applications. In water treatment, it serves as a pre-treatment step for reverse osmosis or as a standalone purification method to remove bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. In the food and beverage industry, ultrafiltration is used for concentrating proteins, clarifying juices, and de-fatting milk. It also finds applications in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors for protein purification, virus removal, and diafiltration.

Ultrafiltration membranes are available in different configurations, such as spiral-wound, hollow fiber, and tubular modules, each suited for specific flow rates and operating conditions. The performance of ultrafiltration is characterized by its flux, which is the rate of permeate flow per unit membrane area, and its rejection, which is the percentage of a specific solute retained by the membrane. Membrane fouling, the accumulation of material on the membrane surface, can reduce flux and requires cleaning or replacement of the membrane.