Membrane technology is one of water filtration process using membrane as the media filter. There are several levels of membrane technology processes based on the type of membrane:

1. Microfiltration
2. Ultrafiltration
3. Nano Filtration
4. Reverse Osmosis

The higher level of membrane technology used, the membrane technology offers greater filtration efficiency and the ability to remove smaller particles, molecules, and contaminants from the water.

1. MICROFILTRATION

Microfiltration or MF is used to separate large particles, such as bacteria, microorganism cells, suspended particles, oil emulsions, colloidal haze, and other large particles. Membrane pores in microfiltration have a size of around 0.1 to 10 micrometers (µm). In microfiltration, water, viruses and several types of ions will pass through filtering.

2. ULTRAFILTRATION

Ultrafiltration or UF membranes have smaller pore sizes compared to MF membranes and can effectively remove viruses, colloids, proteins, and larger dissolved molecules, in addition to bacteria and suspended solids. Membrane pores in UF have a size of around 0.1 to 0.01 micrometers (µm). In UF, water and several types of ions will pass through filtering.

3. NANOFILTRATION

NF membranes have even smaller pore sizes than UF membranes (0.01 - 0.001 micron) and are capable of removing divalent ions, organic matter, and certain smaller molecules like pesticides and pharmaceuticals. NF is effective for desalination and softening of water, as well as for removing color and odor. In NF, water and monovalent ions will pass through filtering.

4. REVERSE OSMOSIS

RO membranes have the smallest pore sizes among these technologies (0.001 - 0.0001 micron) and are highly effective in removing dissolved salts, ions, heavy metals, pesticides, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants from water. RO is often used for producing high-purity water for drinking, industrial processes, and wastewater treatment. In RO, water only will pass through filtering.