läpivirtasuodatus

Lappivirtaussuodatus, often referred to by its English equivalent cross-flow filtration, is a method of separating solid particles from a fluid, typically a liquid. In this process, the fluid flows parallel to the filter surface, rather than being pushed directly through it. This continuous flow along the membrane surface helps to sweep away retained particles, preventing them from accumulating and blocking the filter.

This self-cleaning action is the primary advantage of lappivirtaussuodatus. Unlike dead-end filtration, where the fluid is forced perpendicular to the filter and builds up a cake layer that progressively reduces flow rate, the tangential flow in cross-flow filtration maintains a higher throughput and extends filter life. The collected solids are continuously removed from the filter surface, either as a concentrated stream or discharged entirely.

Lappivirtaussuodatus is employed across a wide range of industries. In water treatment, it is used for microfiltration and ultrafiltration to remove suspended solids, bacteria, and viruses. The food and beverage industry utilizes it for clarification of juices, wine, and beer, as well as for protein concentration. It also finds applications in the pharmaceutical industry for sterile filtration and in the chemical industry for separating catalysts or purifying products. The specific type of membrane used, such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, or reverse osmosis, determines the size of particles or molecules that can be separated.