Factors Affecting the Production Rate of UF Membrane

Understanding UF membrane

Artificial membranes used in the UF process. Generally made of high polymer materials such as cellulose acetate, cellulose ester, polyethylene, polysulfone, and polyamide. Various forms of membrane components are generally pre-made, such as tube-type, plate-type, roll-type, capillary-type, etc., and then assembled into multiple components for application to increase the filtration area and facilitate maintenance.

UF membranes are high-polymer semi-permeable membranes used in the UF process to separate certain-sized high-polymer colloids or suspended particles from a solution. Driven by pressure, the membrane pore size is 1 to 100 nm, belonging to the non-symmetric membrane type. The pore density is about 10/cm, the operating pressure difference is 100 to 1000 kPa, suitable for removing colloid particles and macromolecules, and can separate solutions with a concentration of less than 10%.

Factors affecting the water production of UF membrane

The water production of UF membranes is not constant. To achieve optimal performance, its working conditions must be met, otherwise, the water production and water quality will be affected.

The effect of temperature on water production

The activity of water molecules increases and viscosity decreases as the temperature rises, resulting in an increase in water production. Conversely, the water production decreases, so even the same UF system can produce a difference in water production between winter and summer.

The effect of operating pressure on water production

The water production of the membrane is directly proportional to the pressure in the low-pressure range. That is, as the pressure increases, the water production increases. However, when the pressure exceeds 0.3 MPa, even if the pressure continues to increase, the increase in water production is small, mainly due to the filtration membrane being compressed under high pressure, which increases the permeable water resistance.

The effect of inlet turbidity on water production

The greater the inlet turbidity, the less water production of the UF membrane, and the higher the inlet turbidity, the more likely the UF membrane is to become blocked.

The effect of flow rate on water production

The change in flow rate does not affect water production as obviously as temperature and pressure. Too slow a flow rate can easily cause UF membrane blockage, and too fast affects water production.

The water production of UF membranes is affected by the above factors. Users must strictly adhere to their working conditions when using UF membranes in order to achieve optimal performance and learn how to maintain high water production. Different specifications of membrane components may have slightly different working conditions, so users can consult before use.