Difference Between Microfiltration, Ultrafiltration, Nanofiltration & Reverse Osmosis

Microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration and reverse osmosis (RO) are the most common types of filtration processes used in residential, commercial and industrial water purification processes. This purification process involves water being pushed through a semi-permeable membrane with pores that are measured in micrometres. But what is the difference between microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration & reverse osmosis? Read on to know.

Difference Between Microfiltration, Ultrafiltration, Nanofiltration  & Reverse Osmosis: Meaning

What is Microfiltration? 

Microfiltration is the process of physically removing suspended solids from water via membrane technology. The membrane for microfiltration has a pore size of 0.1 to 10µm that retrains all types of bacteria, macromolecules, turbidity, colloids and other contaminants. Microfiltration is often used in conjunction with individual processes like ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis. 

What is Ultrafiltration? 

Ultrafiltration can remove everything that microfiltration can, with the added benefit of removing viruses that need a higher pressure to achieve this. Ultrafiltration plant can remove particles with a size of 0.01 to 0.1 µm, removing viruses, macroproteins, antibiotics, trihalomethane and turbidity from water. 

What is Nanofiltration? 

Nanofiltration membranes remove 50 to 90% of monovalent ions like sodium and chlorides. It removes the majority of organic molecules, viruses, and all major naturally occurring debris, as well as different types of salts, from water. Nanofiltration is usually used to soften hard water as it removes divalent ions that make water hard. 

What is Reverse Osmosis? 

Reverse osmosis is a water purification technique that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove ions, undesirable molecules, dissolved salts or solids and larger particles from portable water. RO plants have the smallest pore sizes of 0.0001 µm, making it the preferred method of purifying drinking water and industrial processes where high-purity water is needed. 

What is the Difference Between Microfiltration, Ultrafiltration, Nanofiltration  & Reverse Osmosis? 

The main difference between microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis is the pore size of the membrane. The varying pore size allows for different elements to pass through. Ravi Enviro Industries Private Limited is a trusted RO plant company in India that specializes in sophisticated and scalable water treatment solutions. We also design and manufacture different types of filters, including activated carbon filters, pressure sand filters, side stream filters, walnut filters, and membrane filters. 

According to your water needs, MF, UF, NF, and RO may be used to purify water and manage water treatment. Ravi Enviro Industries Private Limited specializes in ultrafiltration water treatment plants, RO plants, and other WWTP plants for clients in different industries. For the best water treatment solution, call us.

Also Checkout:- Advantages and Disadvantages of Ultrafiltration