Ultrafiltráció

Ultrafiltráció is a membrane filtration process used to separate molecules based on their molecular weight. It is an intermediate pressure-driven process, falling between microfiltration and nanofiltration. The pore sizes in ultrafiltration membranes typically range from 0.001 to 0.1 micrometers. This allows smaller molecules, such as water and dissolved salts, to pass through while retaining larger molecules like proteins, colloids, and suspended solids.

The driving force for ultrafiltration is a pressure difference across the membrane. This pressure forces the solvent and smaller solutes through the membrane pores, while larger solutes are retained. The process is often employed in various applications including water purification, wastewater treatment, and the concentration of biological molecules. In industrial settings, ultrafiltration is used in the food and beverage industry for processes like whey protein concentration and clarification of juices. It is also crucial in the pharmaceutical industry for the purification of drugs and the removal of pyrogens. The effectiveness of ultrafiltration depends on factors such as membrane material, pore size, operating pressure, and the characteristics of the fluid being treated.