Editing Microfiltration (section)

==Range of applications==

===Water treatment===
{{Main|Water treatment}}

Perhaps the most prominent use of microfiltration membranes pertains to the treatment of potable water supplies. The membranes are a key step in the primary disinfection of the uptake water stream. Such a stream might contain [[pathogens]] such as the protozoa [[Cryptosporidium]] and [[Giardia lamblia]] which are responsible for numerous disease outbreaks. Both species show a gradual resistance to traditional [[disinfectants]] (i.e. [[chlorine]]).<ref>Water Treatment Solutions. 1998, Lenntech, accessed 27 September 2013 <http://www.lenntech.com/microfiltration.htm</ref> The use of MF membranes presents a physical means of separation (a barrier) as opposed to a chemical alternative. In that sense, both filtration and disinfection take place in a single step, negating the extra cost of chemical dosage and the corresponding equipment (needed for handling and storage).

Similarly, the MF membranes are used in secondary wastewater effluents to remove [[turbidity]] but also to provide treatment for disinfection. At this stage, [[flocculation|coagulants]] ([[iron]] or [[aluminum]]) may potentially be added to precipitate species such as [[phosphorus]] and [[arsenic]] which would otherwise have been soluble.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Chadha |first1=Utkarsh |last2=Selvaraj |first2=Senthil Kumaran |last3=Vishak Thanu |first3=S. |last4=Cholapadath |first4=Vishnu |last5=Abraham |first5=Ashesh Mathew |last6=Zaiyan |first6=Mohammed |last7=Manikandan |first7=M |last8=Paramasivam |first8=Velmurugan |title=A review of the function of using carbon nanomaterials in membrane filtration for contaminant removal from wastewater |journal=Materials Research Express |date=6 January 2022 |doi=10.1088/2053-1591/ac48b8|doi-access=free |bibcode=2022MRE.....9a2003C }}</ref>

===Sterilization===
{{Main|Sterilization (microbiology)}}

Another crucial application of MF membranes lies in the cold sterilisation of [[beverages]] and [[pharmaceuticals]].<ref>Veolia Water, Pharmaceutical & Cosmetics. 2013,  Veolia Water,  accessed 27 September 2013. Available from: <http://www.veoliawaterst.com/industries/pharmaceutical-cosmetics/.></ref>  Historically, heat was used to sterilize refreshments such as juice, wine and beer in particular, however a palatable loss in flavour was clearly evident upon heating. Similarly, pharmaceuticals have been shown to lose their effectiveness upon heat addition. MF membranes are employed in these industries as a method to remove bacteria and other undesired [[Suspension (chemistry)|suspensions]] from liquids, a procedure termed as 'cold sterilisation', which negate the use of heat.

===Petroleum refining===
{{Main|Petroleum refining processes}}

Furthermore, microfiltration membranes are finding increasing use in areas such as petroleum refining,<ref>Baker, R.,3rd ed, Microfiltration, in Membrane Technology and Applications John Wiley & Sons Ltd: California. p. 303-324.</ref> in which the removal of particulates from [[flue]] gases is of particular concern. The key challenges/requirements for this technology are the ability of the membrane modules to withstand high temperatures (i.e. maintain stability), but also the design must be such to provide a very thin sheeting (thickness < 2000 [[angstrom]]s) to facilitate an increase of [[flux]]. In addition the modules must have a low [[fouling]] profile and most importantly, be available at a low-cost for the system to be financially viable.

===Dairy processing===
{{Main|Dairy}}

Aside from the above applications, MF membranes have found dynamic use in major areas within the dairy industry, particularly for milk and whey processing. The MF membranes aid in the removal of bacteria and the associated spores from milk, by rejecting the harmful species from passing through. This is also a precursor for [[pasteurisation]], allowing for an extended shelf-life of the product. However, the most promising technique for MF membranes in this field pertains to the separation of casein from [[whey protein]]s (i.e. serum milk proteins).<ref>GEA Filtration – Dairy Applications. 2013,  GEA Filtration, accessed 26 September 2013, <http://www.geafiltration.com/applications/industrial_applications.asp.></ref>  This results in two product streams both of which are highly relied on by consumers; a [[casein]]-rich concentrate stream used for cheese making, and a whey/serum protein stream which is further processed (using [[ultrafiltration]]) to make whey protein concentrate. The whey protein stream undergoes further filtration to remove fat in order to achieve higher protein content in the final WPC (Whey Protein Concentrate) and WPI (Whey Protein Isolate) powders.

===Other applications===

Other common applications utilising microfiltration as a major separation process include
* [[Clarification (water treatment)|Clarification]] and [[Water purification|purification]] of cell [[broth]]s where macromolecules are to be separated from other large molecules, proteins, or cell debris.<ref>Baker, R 2012, ''Microfiltration, in Membrane Technology and Applications'', 3rd edn, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, California. p. 303-324.</ref>
* Other biochemical and bio-processing applications such as clarification of [[dextrose]].<ref>Valentas J., Rotstein E, & Singh, P 1997, ''Handbook of Food Engineering Practice'',  CRC Press LLC, Florida, p.202</ref>
* Production of Paints and Adhesives.<ref>Starbard, N 2008, ''Beverage Industry Microfiltration'',  Wiley Blackwell, Iowa. p.4</ref>