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How to Select the Correct Filtration Process Based on Contaminant Size

Views: 2000 Author: LOONG FILTRATION Publish Time: 2025-11-08 Origin: Site

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Understanding Filtration Rating: How to Select the Correct Filtration Process Based on Contaminant Size

In industrial water treatment, food and beverage, or biopharmaceutical processes, have you ever struggled with product purity not meeting standards, frequent filter clogging, or excessively high system operating costs? A common cause of these problems is a mismatch between the filtration process and the particle size of the contaminants. This article will utilize clear contaminant particle size distribution maps to reveal the golden rules for selecting filtration processes, helping you achieve precise and efficient separation.

The Relationship Between Contaminant Size and Filtration Technology

filtration spectrum chart-loongfiltration (1)

Contaminant Size vs. Filtration Process Range Chart – A complete solution guide from millimeter-sized particles to ionic impurities.

Microfiltration (MF) — "Rough" Filtration for Suspended Particles & Colloids

Pore Size Range: 0.1 - 50 micrometers
Main Function: Effectively removes sediment, rust, and large suspended particles.
Typical Applications: Industrial wastewater pretreatment, preliminary clarification of process water.

Ultrafiltration (UF) — A Precision Barrier Retaining Bacteria & Macromolecules

Pore Size Range: 0.001 - 0.1 micrometers (1 - 100 nanometers)
Main Function: Effectively removes bacteria, most viruses, colloids, and macromolecular organics (e.g., proteins).
Typical Applications: Juice clarification, protein separation in biopharmaceuticals, advanced municipal wastewater treatment.

Nanofiltration (NF) — The Softening Expert for Divalent Ions & Pigments

Pore Size Range: 1-10 nanometers (0.001-0.01 micrometers)
Main Function: Based on sieving and charge effects, efficiently retains divalent and higher ions (e.g., scaling components like calcium, magnesium), organic pigments, and some viruses.
Typical Applications: Drinking water softening, industrial wastewater decolorization, pretreatement for seawater desalination.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) — Near-Absolute Molecular Separation

Pore Size Range: < 0.001 micrometers
Main Function: Driven by pressure, retains almost all dissolved salts, metal ions, microorganisms, and organics, allowing only water molecules to pass through.
Typical Applications: Seawater desalination, high-purity water production (e.g., electronics industry), purified water production.

"Three-Step Method" to Quickly Identify the Optimal Filtration Process

Step 1: Identify the Target Contaminant(s)

Step 2: Determine Their Size Range

Step 3: Match the Core Filtration Technology

Exlpore LOONG FILTRATION's Main Products Who is mianly focus on the Microfiltration(MF)

I. DEPTH STACK FILTER

II. MEMBRANE FILTER CARTRIDGE

III. HIGH FLOW FILTER CARTRIDGES

LOONG Filtration has been a mission-driven partner, engineering high-performance fluid and gas filtration solutions for critical industries like chemical, food & beverage, biopharma, and electronics. Backed by sustained R&D and a team of seasoned experts, we offer complete end-to-end support and a full filtration portfolio, including Microfiltration Membranes, Membrane Filter Cartridges, Depth Stack Filters, and Filter Housings.

Download the high-definition "Filtration Process Selection Guide" to store this decision-making tool in your knowledge base.
Facing specific filtration challenges? Send email to sales@loongfiltration to get free one-on-one technical consultation.
Immediately browse LOONG Filtration's full product range to explore precision solutions www.loongfiltration.com.