How to Clean Hollow-Fiber Ultrafiltration Membranes
Raw water in hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membranes flows under pressure either on the outside or inside the hollow fibers, creating either an external-pressure or internal-pressure configuration, respectively. Ultrafiltration is a dynamic filtration process, where the retained substances can be removed via concentrated permeate without fouling the membrane surface, enabling long-term, continuous operation.
Raw water in hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membranes flows under pressure either on the outside or inside the hollow fibers, creating either an external-pressure or internal-pressure configuration, respectively. Ultrafiltration is a dynamic filtration process, where the retained substances can be removed via concentrated permeate without fouling the membrane surface, enabling long-term, continuous operation.
2021-08-04
Hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membrane The raw water flows under pressure either outside or inside the hollow fibers, forming either an external-pressure or internal-pressure configuration, respectively. Ultrafiltration is a dynamic filtration process, where the retained substances can be removed with concentrated water—without clogging the membrane surface—allowing for long-term, continuous operation. Hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membrane It is one of the earlier-developed polymer separation membranes. Now, let’s learn how to clean it. Hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membrane ?
At Hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membrane During continuous normal operation, various cleaning methods must be carried out regularly. Currently, the most commonly used cleaning methods include the following:
Backpressure Backwashing Method: This process involves flushing from the ultrafiltrate side with clean water flowing in the opposite direction. Since membranes typically exhibit different pressure resistance levels depending on their front-to-back orientation, backwashing usually requires low-pressure operation—resulting in relatively mild backwash intensity and limited cleaning effectiveness. To achieve better results, it’s essential to use membranes with higher pressure resistance, as increasing both the backwash pressure and flow rate significantly enhances the cleaning efficiency. The rinsing duration should be kept between 30 and 60 seconds.
Isobaric Hydraulic Backwashing Method: Close the ultrafiltration permeate valve and fully open the concentrate discharge valve to increase Hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membrane The surface flow rate, which is more effective for removing loose materials adhering to the surface.
Chemical cleaning method: Depending on the type of contaminants on the membrane surface, select appropriate chemicals to dissolve, oxidize, or induce other chemical reactions, thereby achieving the goal of removal. The choice of commonly used chemicals must be based on Hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membrane Material properties such as acids, bases, oxidizing agents, biocides, surfactants, and detergents containing added enzymes. The method follows the same process as conventional ultrafiltration: the cleaning solution enters through the original liquid inlet, while both the concentrate and the ultrafiltrate are returned to the cleaning solution tank. After circulating, the mixture is discharged and then rinsed thoroughly with clean water.
Ultrafiltration membrane technology is a cutting-edge technique widely used in water purification, solution separation and concentration, as well as the extraction of valuable substances from wastewater—and even in wastewater treatment for reuse. It is characterized by its simple operation, no need for heating, energy efficiency, low-pressure operation, and compact equipment footprint.

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