Ultrafiltration is a filtration process that uses a membrane to separate particles from liquids. It operates by applying pressure to push a liquid through a semi-permeable membrane, which allows smaller molecules, such as water and salts, to pass through while retaining larger particles, like proteins and bacteria. This technique is commonly used in water treatment, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.
The ultrafiltration membranes have specific pore sizes, typically ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers. This allows for the effective removal of contaminants while preserving essential nutrients. Ultrafiltration is an efficient and environmentally friendly method, often requiring less energy compared to other filtration techniques.