Filtration techniques, such as ultrafiltration and
microfiltration, play vital roles in water treatment processes worldwide.
Ultrafiltration employs semi-permeable membranes to remove particles as small
as 0.01 microns,
effectively eliminating bacteria, viruses, and
colloidal matter from water sources.
This method is crucial for producing high-quality
drinking water and treating wastewater for reuse.
Industrial process water often benefits from
ultrafiltration, as well especially, before desalination.
Microfiltration, on the other hand, targets larger
particles, typically ranging from 0.1 to 10 microns, making it effective in
clarifying water and removing suspended solids.
Traditional filtration techniques:
Filtration encompasses various techniques for
removing solid or colloidal material that sedimentation cannot tackle on its
own. These techniques range from screen filters to disk filters, with
filtration rates from approximately 800 microns down to 10 microns.
Media filters, a common treatment device, excel at
removing solid or colloidal material with higher filtration degrees, reaching
15 microns or more.
Utilizing gravity rapid rate or pressure-driven
sand beds composed of materials like crushed granite, these filters cater to
diverse applications for relatively large flows, including drinking water
production, irrigation, stormwater management, and aquaculture.
The aforementioned techniques offer efficient and
environmentally friendly solutions, ensuring access to safe and clean water for
communities while mitigating health risks and environmental pollution.