Importance and Significance of UF/MF Membrane Systems in Desalination Water Treatment

The proposed chapter addresses a comprehensive overview of the history and future outlook of ultrafiltration/microfiltration (UF/MF) membrane for desalination water pretreatment. Known theories on UF/MF membrane formation from phase inversion (Dr/wet) systems can be prolonged to define the consequences of high or low molecular weight additives. Also, direct material reengineering and surface modification for high-performance anti-fouling of UF/MF membranes are also highlighted. Before the modern final polymeric film, the characterization techniques, particularly molecular weight cut-off, pore size, pore size distribution, and microbiological activity classification, on to the UF/MF membrane surface were presented, respectively. Lab scale to commercial scale UF/MF membrane configuration and market size of UF/MF membranes for pretreatment desalination are described. The significance of UF/MF provided here as an unconventional approach for desalination water pretreatment is in contrast with the current conventionally used technologies. The recent development made in the integration of established desalination processes, such as spiral wound reverse osmosis (SWRO), multi-stage flash (MSF), multi-effect distillation (MED), electrodialysis (ED) desalination, and UF pretreatment, is addressed. Finally, the influence of UF/MF on desalination water pretreatment step on to the energy cost of desalination process system is discussed