Microfiltration

Similar to ultrafiltration, microfiltration (MF) is also a viable option for addressing the current and future drinking water regulations related to treatment of surface water, groundwater under the direct influence of surface water, and water reuse applications for microbial and turbidity removal. A microfiltration membrane is characterized by a pore size of 0.1 to 1 micron. Microfilters are symmetric or homogenous materials. Unlike seawater, brackish, and nanofiltration membranes, microfilters have distinct pores.



Microfilters are widely used as prefiltration to surface water reverse osmosis plants, for surface waters such as lakes, rivers or seawater. Microfiltration is a feasible treatment alternative to conventional granular media processes. Microfiltration has been shown to exceed the removal efficiencies identified in the Surface Water Treatment Rule such as Cryptosporidium oocyst, Giardia cyst, and turbidity, but not smaller organisms such as viruses.