Ultrafiltration is a low-pressure membrane process (0.5–2 bar) with 0.01–0.1 µm pores that removes bacteria, viruses, colloids, and macromolecules but passes dissolved salts. UF is the preferred pretreatment for SWRO in challenging coastal feeds. Hollow-fiber UF modules are operated outside-in or inside-out under pressure or vacuum. Backwash with permeate every 30–60 minutes plus periodic CEB (chemically enhanced backwash) maintains performance. UF delivers consistent SDI < 2 regardless of feed turbidity, making it the gold standard for SWRO pretreatment where source water quality varies with weather or algal blooms. Microfiltration (MF) pores are 0.1–10 µm — removes bacteria, larger particles. UF pores are 0.01–0.1 µm — also removes viruses and macromolecules. UF gives a consistent SDI regardless of feed variability; MMF performance swings with raw-water quality. UF capex is higher; opex is comparable. Yes — well-operated UF makes 5 µm cartridges redundant. Most modern SWRO plants with UF skip the cartridge stage. ForeverPure has supplied desalination, high-pressure pumps, and energy-recovery devices to commercial and industrial customers since 2003. Contact our engineers for sizing, quotes, or technical support.Ultrafiltration (UF)
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