ABSTRACT
This chapter describes microfiltration (MF) and immersed microfiltration membranes and discusses applications where microfiltration is being used for treatment of small water systems. Membrane filtration operates on the principle of particle separation based on a pore size and pore size distribution. Microfiltration membranes have pore sizes that vary from 0.075 microns to 3 microns. Microfiltration membranes are made of a number of materials, with ceramic, polymers and sintered metals being the most common types of membranes. Membranes require transmembrane pressure to drive the clean water through the membrane, leaving behind the concentrate containing the separated particles and solids. The chapter presents the differences between these two types of membranes but focuses on the use of vacuum-driven, immersed microfiltration membranes for different water treatment applications. Hollow fiber membranes were developed in the last decade to address the microfiltration needs while using low energy costs to operate.
