
MF (Microfiltration) in Meghalaya

Microfiltration (MF) is a membrane filtration process used to separate suspended solids, bacteria, and other fine particles from liquids. It works by passing the fluid through a semipermeable membrane with pore sizes typically ranging from 0.1 to 10 microns. Unlike ultrafiltration or nanofiltration, MF primarily removes larger particles but allows dissolved salts, sugars, and small molecules to pass through.
It is widely used in water treatment, food & beverage processing, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries. MF operates at relatively low pressure (0.1–2 bar), making it energy-efficient while maintaining high flow rates.
Pore Size Range: |
Typically, 0.1 to 10 microns, suitable for removing suspended solids, bacteria, and fine particles. |
Low Operating Pressure: |
Functions efficiently at 0.1–2 bar, making it energy-saving compared to other membrane processes. |
High Permeate Flow: |
Allows good water flux and high throughput due to relatively larger pore sizes. |
Selective Filtration: |
Retains bacteria, protozoa, and turbidity but allows dissolved salts, sugars, and small organic molecules to pass. |
Applications: |
Used in water treatment, beverage clarification (beer, wine, juice), dairy industry, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. |
Membrane Material: |
Commonly made of polymeric materials (PVDF, PES, PTFE) or ceramic membranes for durability. |
Crossflow or Dead-end Operation: |
Can be operated in both modes depending on the application. |
Simple Maintenance: |
Requires periodic backwashing or chemical cleaning to maintain performance. |
Energy Efficiency: |
Lower energy demand compared to ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), and reverse osmosis (RO). |
Compact & Scalable: |
Can be easily scaled up for industrial use or integrated with other membrane processes. |