Membrane filtration plays an important role in modern drinking water treatment, as it is a very effective method for removing particles, microorganisms and pollutants. Membranes with different pore sizes are used to filter specific substances from the water. The most important membrane filtration processes include microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis, whereby each process can remove particles and molecules of different sizes. Here are the key benefits and advantages of membrane filtration in drinking water treatment:
High filtration accuracy
Membranes provide a precise barrier that can remove even the smallest particles, microorganisms (such as bacteria and viruses), turbidity and even dissolved pollutants from the water. Processes such as nanofiltration and reverse osmosis are also able to remove dissolved ions and molecules that are often difficult to filter out using conventional methods.
Wide range of applications
- Micro- and ultrafiltrationThey are ideal for removing bacteria, viruses and suspended particles. These membranes have relatively large pores, which are used, for example, in the pre-treatment of water to remove coarse impurities.
- Nanofiltration and reverse osmosisThese processes are used when a very high level of purity is required. They remove dissolved salts, organic molecules and some chemical pollutants that cannot be completely removed by other processes. Reverse osmosis is particularly effective for the desalination of seawater and the removal of contaminants in regions with problematic groundwater.
Germ-free water quality
Membrane filtration can ensure the almost complete removal of microorganisms, which significantly reduces the risk of waterborne diseases. This is particularly beneficial in areas with high drinking water quality requirements, e.g. in municipal waterworks or in the food industry.
Replacement or supplement for chemical disinfection
As membrane filtration works mechanically and does not require any chemical additives, it can in some cases supplement or replace chemical disinfection processes such as chlorination. This reduces the use of chemicals and avoids the formation of disinfection by-products (e.g. chloramines) that could impair water quality.
Removal of pollutants and heavy metals
The finer membranes used in nanofiltration and reverse osmosis in particular can remove pollutants, heavy metals, pesticides and hormones from water. These substances often pose a challenge for water treatment, and membrane filtration offers an effective method of eliminating them.
Compact systems and flexible scalability
Membrane filtration systems are compact and can be scaled according to requirements. They are suitable for large waterworks as well as for small, decentralised systems and mobile units, making them flexible to use.
Environmental friendliness
Membrane filtration causes little or no chemical residue compared to other methods. However, operating the systems requires energy and results in the generation of a concentrate stream that contains the filtered impurities and must be disposed of. Nevertheless, the technology is often more environmentally friendly than many chemical processes.
References
Drinking water supply
MS Train
4 m3/h
Filtration system
Gottschalkenberg, Zug
10 m3/h
Filtration system
Axalp, Bern
UF 18 - 24 m3/h
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