Pore size and selectivity
The pore sizes of technical membranes are specified differently depending on the manufacturer. One common distinction is by nominal pore size. It describes the maximum pore size distribution^[4] and gives only vague information about the retention capacity of a membrane. The exclusion limit or "cut-off" of the membrane is usually specified in the form of NMWC (nominal molecular weight cut-off, or MWCO, molecular weight cut off, with units in Dalton). It is defined as the minimum molecular weight of a globular molecule that is retained to 90% by the membrane. The cut-off, depending on the method, can by converted to so-called D₉₀, which is then expressed in a metric unit. In practice the MWCO of the membrane should be at least 20% lower than the molecular weight of the molecule that is to be separated.

Using track etched mica membranes Beck and Schultz demonstrated that hindered diffusion of molecules in pores can be described by the Renkin equation.

Filter membranes are divided into four classes according to pore size:

Ultrafiltration (UF) is a variety of membrane filtration in which forces like pressure or concentration gradients lead to a separation through a semipermeable membrane. Suspended solids and solutes of high molecular weight are retained in the so-called retentate, while water and low molecular weight solutes pass through the membrane in the permeate (filtrate). This separation process is used in industry and research for purifying and concentrating macromolecular (103 - 106 Da) solutions, especially protein solutions. Ultrafiltration is not fundamentally different from microfiltration. Both of these separate based on size exclusion or particle capture. It is fundamentally different from membrane gas separation, which separate based on different amounts of absorption and different rates of diffusion. Ultrafiltration membranes are defined by the molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) of the membrane used. Ultrafiltration is applied in cross-flow or dead-end mode. Using track etched mica membranes Beck and Schultz demonstrated that hindered diffusion of molecules in pores can be described by the Renkin equation.

Hollow fibre module

The process characteristics of a UF system are highly dependent on the type of membrane used and its application. Manufacturers' specifications of the membrane tend to limit the process to the following typical specifications: Hollow Fibre Spiral-wound Ceramic Tubular Plate and Frame pH 2–13 2–11 3–7 Feed Pressure (psi) 9–15 <30–120 60–100 Backwash Pressure (psi) 9–15 20–40 10–30 Temperature (°C) 5–30 5–45 5–400 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) <1000 <600 <500 Total Suspended Solids (mg/L) <500 <450 <300 Turbidity (NTU) <15 <1 <10 Iron (mg/L) <5 <5 <5 Oils and Greases (mg/L) <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 Solvents, phenols (mg/L) <0.1 <0.1 <0.1

Microfiltration is a type of filtration physical process where a contaminated fluid is passed through a special pore-sized membrane to separate microorganisms and suspended particles from process liquid. It is commonly used in conjunction with various other separation processes such as ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis to provide a product stream which is free of undesired contaminants.Microfiltration usually serves as a pre-treatment for other separation processes such as ultrafiltration, and a post-treatment for granular media filtration. The typical particle size used for microfiltration ranges from about 0.1 to 10 μm. Range of applications 2.1Water treatment 2.2Sterilization 2.3Petroleum refining 2.4Dairy processing 2.5Other applications

Overall setup for a microfiltration system

Process design variables

Fundamental design heuristics A few important design heuristics and their assessment are discussed below: When treating raw contaminated fluids, hard sharp materials can wear and tear the porous cavities in the micro-filter, rendering it ineffective. Liquids must be subjected to pre-treatment before passage through the micro-filter.[20] This may be achieved by a variation of macro separation processes such as screening, or granular media filtration. When undertaking cleaning regimes the membrane must not dry out once it has been contacted by the process stream.[21] Thorough water rinsing of the membrane modules, pipelines, pumps and other unit connections should be carried out until the end water appears clean. Microfiltration modules are typically set to operate at pressures of 100 to 400 kPa.[22] Such pressures allow removal of materials such as sand, slits and clays, and also bacteria and protozoa. When the membrane modules are being used for the first time, i.e. during plant start-up, conditions need to be well devised. Generally a slow-start is required when the feed is introduced into the modules, since even slight perturbations above the critical flux will result in irreversible fouling.[23] Like any other membranes, microfiltration membranes are prone to fouling. (See Figure 4 below) It is therefore necessary that regular maintenance be carried out to prolong the life of the membrane module. Routine 'backwashing', is used to achieve this. Depending on the specific application of the membrane, backwashing is carried out in short durations (typically 3 to 180 s) and in moderately frequent intervals (5 min to several hours). Turbulent flow conditions with Reynolds numbers greater than 2100, ideally between 3000 - 5000 should be used.[24] This should not however be confused with 'backflushing', a more rigorous and thorough cleaning technique, commonly practiced in cases of particulate and colloidal fouling. When major cleaning is needed to remove entrained particles, a CIP (Clean In Place) technique is used.[25] Cleaning agents/detergents, such as sodium hypochlorite, citric acid, caustic soda or even special enzymes are typically used for this purpose. The concentration of these chemicals is dependent on the type of the membrane (its sensitivity to strong chemicals), but also the type of matter (e.g. scaling due to the presence of calcium ions) to be removed. Another method to increase the lifespan of the membrane may be feasible to design two microfiltration membranes in series. The first filter would be used for pre-treatment of the liquid passing through the membrane, where larger particles and deposits are captured on the cartridge. The second filter would act as an extra "check" for particles which are able to pass through the first membrane as well as provide screening for particles on the lower spectrum of the range.

Microza is a filtration module containing unique hollow fiber membranes developed by Asahi Kasei for filtration systems. Several types of hollow fiber membranes are available, and in various organic polymers. Liquid filtration takes place through the pores, or gaps, in the hollow fiber wall structure. Microza membranes have sharp pore size distributions that provide superior and stable filtration performance.

Microza is a propriety brand if the the Asahi Kasei Group, a diversified group of companies led by Asahi Kasei Corp., with operations in the Material, Homes, and Health Care business sectors. With more than 35,000 employees around the world, the Asahi Kasei Group serves customers in more than 100 countries. Asahi Kasei is “Creating for Tomorrow” with all operations sharing a common mission of contributing to life and living for people around the world. Founded in 1922 established the Asahi Fabric Co., Ltd. , Asahi Kasei Group has Growth as a diversified chemical manufacturer.  ......

Highly Efficient, Precise Filtration, Durable Module
Deployed in various liquid separation, filtration, and purification processes, is a filtration module containing unique hollow fiber membranes developed by Asahi Kasei for filtration systems.

Several types of hollow fiber membranes are available, and in various organic polymers. Liquid filtration takes place through the pores, or gaps, in the hollow fiber wall structure.
membranes have sharp pore size distributions that provide superior and stable filtration performance.

There are two categories of hollow fiber membranes;
1- microfiltration (MF) membranes and
2 - ultrafiltration (UF) membranes.

These are available in a variety of product types and system configurations to meet variant filtration requirements.
has an established track record for high performance in a wide variety of applications.
These are not limited to the chemicals and precision electronics industries, but are also applicable and receiving very high ratings in municipal water, wastewater, food, pharmaceutical, energy, and environmental applications.