What is ultra-filtration?

Ultra-filtration (UF) is a membrane filtration process that removes bacteria, some viruses, microorganisms, and fine suspended particles from water.
It works by physically blocking contaminants based on size, without adding chemicals.

Ultra-filtration uses a semi-permeable membrane with microscopic pores.
Water passes through the membrane, while larger particles are retained.

The membrane typically blocks:

• Bacteria

• Some viruses

• Protozoa

• Suspended solids

• Microplastics

• Some organic compounds

Because it is a physical barrier, removal does not rely on chemical treatment.

Ultra-filtration membranes generally operate in the range of:

• 0.01 microns

For comparison:

• A human hair is about 70 microns wide

• Most bacteria range from 0.2–2 microns

This allows UF to physically separate microorganisms from water.

Ultra-filtration does not remove dissolved substances such as:

• Dissolved salts (TDS)

• Nitrates

• Arsenic

• Fluoride

• Dissolved metals

• Hardness minerals

These require reverse osmosis or specialised treatment.

Sediment Filtration
Removes larger particles like sand and rust, but not microorganisms.

Activated Carbon
Reduces chlorine, odour, and some organic compounds, but does not remove bacteria.

Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Removes dissolved salts and minerals but produces reject water and typically operates at lower flow rates.

Ultra-filtration sits between sediment filtration and reverse osmosis in terms of separation capability.

Ultra-filtration is used in:

• Municipal water treatment

• Commercial water processing

• Industrial applications

• Whole-property filtration systems

• Deepwell sources

It is valued for microbiological protection while maintaining natural mineral content.

UF is suitable when the primary concern is:

• Microbiological contamination

• Turbidity

• Surface water variability

• Storage tank hygiene

It is not suitable when high salinity or dissolved contaminants must be removed.

Ultra-filtration improves microbiological safety but does not desalinate water.
System selection should always be based on laboratory testing.