Water ultrafiltration: differences from microfiltration and reverse osmosis

Water ultrafiltration is a treatment process that uses specific membranes to retain very fine particles, turbidity and impurities present in water. It is positioned between microfiltration and reverse osmosis, generally maintaining good flow rate and without necessarily requiring a storage tank.

Water treatment filters

Water microfiltration

Reverse osmosis

RO membranes

Inline water filters

Water filter cartridges

Membrane treatment
Ultrafiltration uses a membrane with very fine pores. Water passes through the membrane while particles, turbidity and impurities are retained according to the technical characteristics of the system.

Difference from microfiltration
Compared with microfiltration, ultrafiltration can provide a more selective barrier against fine particles and impurities, while still maintaining simpler operation than reverse osmosis.

Difference from reverse osmosis
Reverse osmosis uses more selective membranes and can significantly reduce dissolved salts and TDS. Ultrafiltration is chosen when the goal is to retain fine particles without significantly changing water mineral content.

Drinking water
Ultrafiltration systems can be used to improve dispensed water quality by retaining fine particles and impurities present in the water line.

Under-sink systems
Ultrafiltration can be integrated into compact under-sink systems connected to dedicated faucets, dispensers or residential and professional water treatment systems.

System protection
In some applications, ultrafiltration can help protect downstream components by reducing the passage of fine particles toward equipment, faucets, valves and dispensing systems.

Incoming water quality
Before choosing an ultrafiltration system, it is useful to evaluate turbidity, sediment, pressure, flow rate and the general condition of the existing installation.

Required flow rate
The membrane must be sized according to the required flow. Inadequate flow can make the system inconvenient to use or reduce its performance.

Pre-filtration and maintenance
Correct pre-filtration can protect the membrane and extend its service life. Maintenance should be scheduled according to use and incoming water quality.

Helpful tip:
Ultrafiltration is suitable when finer filtration than microfiltration is required while maintaining good flow rate. If the goal is significant reduction of dissolved salts and TDS, a reverse osmosis system should be considered.