Hollow-fibre ultrafiltration membranes as SWRO pre-treatment — a consistently low-SDI feed regardless of raw-seawater swings, algal blooms or storms.
SWRO Intake & Pre-Treatment for Desalination
Ultrafiltration (UF) is the membrane alternative to granular media pre-treatment. Hollow-fibre UF removes particulates, colloids, bacteria and most algae by size exclusion, delivering an exceptionally low and stable silt density index to the reverse-osmosis stage — even when the intake water quality varies sharply.
Membrane size-exclusion with automatic cleaning
Thousands of fine fibres screen particulates, colloids and bacteria.
Flow path chosen for solids loading and backwash regime.
Operating mode matched to feed solids and recovery target.
Frequent backwash plus chemically-enhanced backwash keeps flux up.
Pressure-decay tests confirm fibre integrity and barrier performance.
Racks or immersed cassettes to suit footprint and flow.
Typical engineering envelope
| Parameter | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pore / cut-off | 0.01–0.05 µm | Hollow fibre |
| Flux | 40–100 LMH | Temperature-corrected |
| SDI₁₅ to RO | <2.5 | Stable vs feed swings |
| Turbidity | <0.1 NTU | Independent of feed |
| Cleaning | Backwash + CEB / CIP | Air + chemical |
| Recovery | 90–95% | With backwash |
Continue across the SWRO intake & pre-treatment series
A companion stage of the SWRO pre-treatment train.
Read MoreA companion stage of the SWRO pre-treatment train.
Read MoreA companion stage of the SWRO pre-treatment train.
Read MoreA companion stage of the SWRO pre-treatment train.
Read MoreA companion stage of the SWRO pre-treatment train.
Read MoreThe intake-systems hub these stages belong to.
Read MoreMedia and self-cleaning filtration across our range.
Read MoreProtecting SWRO membranes from fouling and oxidants.
Read MoreA companion stage of the SWRO pre-treatment train.
Read MoreComplete SWRO desalination plant solutions.
Read MoreOur desalination engineers design the complete intake and pre-treatment train — ultrafiltration and every stage — to deliver a low-SDI, membrane-safe feed at minimum lifecycle cost.
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