HyPURE® Ultrafiltration

Ultrafiltration (UF) provides a higher level of filtration efficiency than conventional methods such as multimedia filtration (MMF). MMF methods rely on depth filtration, where particles are trapped within the filter media, whereas UF operates on a membrane-based exclusion principle, effectively removing particles as small as 0.01 microns. This enables UF to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and colloidal particles that would otherwise pass through conventional filters, resulting in consistently high-quality water. Additionally, UF membranes have a well-defined pore size, which ensures predictable and uniform filtration performance, unlike granular media filters that can in some instances experience inconsistent filtration due to media channeling and clogging.

Ultrafiltration (UF) is also a preferred pre-treatment method for reverse osmosis (RO) and in some cases ion exchange (IX) systems, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of these advanced water treatment processes. RO and IX rely on clean feed water to function efficiently, and UF is highly effective at removing not just suspended solids, but some bacteria, organic matter, and colloidal particles as well that can reduce fouling and scaling in RO systems.

Maintaining a HyPURE Ultrafiltration (UF) system involves routine monitoring, periodic cleaning, and occasional membrane replacement to ensure optimal performance. Regular checks on pressure drop, flow rate, and turbidity help detect early signs of fouling or scaling. As part of its comprehensive service offering, Hydroflux provides ongoing support and maintenance to all its customers.

Cleaning-in-place (CIP) systems are an integral part of every HyPURE UF design, ensuring efficient and membrane maintenance. Alkaline cleaning removes organic buildup and biofilm, while acid cleaning dissolves scaling caused by calcium, iron, and other minerals. Disinfection may also be required to prevent microbial growth. The frequency of Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) for Ultrafiltration (UF) systems typically depends on feed water quality, operating conditions, and the transmembrane pressure (TMP), which indicates fouling or scaling. CIP is usually required when the TMP increases by 0.1–0.3 bar above baseline, which can occur anywhere from every few days to every few weeks depending on the water quality. Systems with high-fouling water may need CIP as often as every 3–7 days, while systems with lower fouling potential might only require cleaning every month or longer.

Semi automated CIP systems are commonly integrated to optimise cleaning cycles and ensure efficient performance, prolonging membrane life and minimizing downtime. With proper maintenance and regular CIP, UF membranes typically last 3–7 years or even longer, depending on the application.

The HyPURE Ultrafiltration (UF) system is highly effective at removing suspended solids, bacteria, and viruses, but it does not typically remove dissolved solids. UF membranes have pore sizes ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 microns, allowing them to filter out larger particles, colloids, bacteria, and viruses. This makes the system especially effective for producing clean water by removing pathogens like E. coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium, as well as fine particulates and organic matter. This capability makes UF systems particularly suitable for non-potable recycled water streams, often with an additional disinfection stage for further microbial control.

However, dissolved solids, such as salts, minerals, and small molecules (including certain chemicals), will pass through UF membranes. To remove dissolved solids, additional treatment methods, such as reverse osmosis (RO) or ion exchange (IX), are required. In systems where dissolved solids removal is needed, HyPURE UF is often used as a pre-treatment for processes like HyPURE RO or HyX Ion Exchange, ensuring clean feed water for these downstream technologies.