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Microfiltration

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Microfiltration for Solids Management

High-Performance Solids Separation — Oil & Gas and Mining Wastewater

⬇ Download Data Sheet
Microfiltration — 0.1–0.2 µm Hollow Fiber Membrane
FEEDWATER FILTRATE PVDF HOLLOW FIBER 0.1–0.2 µm PORE SIZE TSS / OIL / COLLOIDS BLOCKED BY MEMBRANE CLEAN FILTRATE <0.1 NTU TURBIDITY >99% TSS REMOVAL

The Microfiltration (MF) System is a modular, pressure-driven membrane solution engineered to remove suspended solids, emulsified oils, colloids, and biological matter from complex industrial wastewater. Designed for upstream and midstream oil & gas and mining operations, it delivers consistent filtrate quality, high uptime, and low lifecycle cost — even in harsh, variable feedwater conditions.

Microfiltration membrane system for industrial water treatment

PVDF or PES hollow fiber/flat sheet membranes in crossflow or dead-end configurations deliver reliable clarification and pretreatment for the full downstream treatment train.

Key Benefits

  • Removes TSS, turbidity, colloids & emulsified hydrocarbons to sub-NTU filtrate levels
  • Produces effluent suitable for RO, IX, evaporation, or direct process reuse
  • Stable performance across variable feedwater composition and loading
  • Significantly reduced coagulant/flocculant vs. DAF and clarifiers
  • Lower sludge volumes — reduced disposal frequency and hauling costs
  • Fully automated; minimal operator intervention required
  • Modular, scalable skid packages — pilot through permanent installations

Applications

Produced Water (Onshore & Offshore)
SAGD & Thermal EOR
Mining & Mineral Processing
Tailings Water Clarification
RO / NF Pretreatment
Industrial Reuse & Process Water Recovery

Membrane Characteristics

Pore Size0.1–0.2 µm
Membrane TypePVDF or PES
ConfigurationOutside-in or inside-out
Chemical ResistanceOxidants, caustic, acids
Design Flux30–90 LMH

System Performance

TSS Removal> 99%
Turbidity (filtrate)< 0.1–0.5 NTU
Oil & Grease Reduction80–95% (emulsified)
Water Recovery90–98%
Operating Pressure5–30 psi

Operating Conditions

Temperature5–45°C
pH (operation)2–12
pH (CIP)Up to pH 13–14
Backwash FrequencyEvery 10–60 min
CIP FrequencyWeekly to monthly

Module Sizes

Standard MF Skid50–150 GPM
Standard MF Skid275–825 m³/day
Large MF Skid300–600 GPM
Large MF Skid1,650–3,300 m³/day

Advantages vs. Conventional Technology

FeatureMicrofiltrationDAF / ClarifierMedia Filtration
High Solids Removal (TSS)✔✔✔
Emulsified Oil Removal✔——
Consistent Filtrate Quality✔——
Low Chemical Demand✔—✔
Modular Expansion✔——
Small Footprint✔——
Automated Operation✔——

Integration with Downstream Treatment

TechProcessHow MF Helps
ROReverse OsmosisProtects RO membranes from colloidal fouling; extends membrane life and reduces cleaning frequency
NFNanofiltrationStabilizes feedwater quality ahead of NF trains; reduces scaling potential and improves flux stability
MVC/MVRThermal ConcentrationReduces suspended solids and oil loading to evaporators; minimizes scaling, carryover, and tube fouling
IXIon Exchange / SofteningExtends resin bed life; improves regeneration efficiency and capacity
ZLDZero Liquid DischargeEnhances overall system recovery; reduces brine volume and concentrate disposal requirements