Ultrafiltration (UF) has been widely applied in the area of potable water production as a
barrier to pathogens and viruses, and for pretreatment of surface water and biologically
treated municipal effluent before Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems. UF is also now being
considered as pretreatment to Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) plants. UF provides
a very high quality, low SDI (Silt Density Index) product, regardless of the incoming
seawater quality, and offers a pretreatment alternative with a small footprint and low
chemical consumption. These benefits of UF make it an excellent choice for SWRO
pretreatment in some situations. However, many SWRO systems operate very well with
conventional pretreatment, so UF is not always justified over conventional pre-treatment.
This paper usees data from pilot studies and full-scale operating plants to discuss
alternatives for SWRO pretreatment and factors that should be taken into account when
selecting the pretreatment technology. Includes 10 references, table, figures.