During the water treatment process, membranes play a critical role in filtering out contaminants. These barriers allow water to pass through while keeping impurities back. The following explores some of the most common forms utilized by industries. 

Microfiltration 

Because they have the largest pores, microfiltration membranes are typically only used to eliminate sizable contaminants from fluids. Their pore size ranges from 0.1 to 10 micrometers, which allows them to capture micron-sized particles, including yeast cells, large bacteria, and colloids. 

Ultrafiltration 

Like microfiltration, ultrafiltration relies on a low-pressure system to separate impurities from fluid. Its semipermeable membrane has smaller pores than those used in microfiltration, though. That means in addition to capturing large particles and microorganisms, ultrafiltration membranes can filter out proteins and small bacteria. 

Nanofiltration 

Nanofiltration membranes have pores that are even smaller than those of ultrafiltration membranes. As such, this process relies on high pressure to force the water through to the end. In addition to removing all contaminants that the above processes can, nanofiltration will eliminate heavy metal ions. 

Reverse Osmosis 

Using non-porous membranes, reverse osmosis eliminates the most contaminants, including organic materials and salt ions. Osmosis is a naturally occurring phenomenon during which water flows from the side with the lower solute concentration to the one with the higher concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Reverse osmosis refers to applying pressure so water flows from the side with the higher concentration to the one with the lower concentration. Also called hyperfiltration, reverse osmosis essentially allows the passage of water while retaining everything else. 

To determine which membranes will meet your company’s needs, turn to Western Environmental Management. Based in Carlsbad, NM, this water treatment provider has been serving industrial and commercial clients throughout El Paso, TX, and all of New Mexico since 1982. Their knowledgeable team is equipped to clean and maintain various kinds of water systems. To discuss your particular needs, call (575) 885-5709. Learn more about their capabilities online.