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In this post, we shall talk about UF or an Ultrafiltration Water Purifier.
A UF purifier is widely used around the world to purify water.
A UF drinking water purifier is similar to an RO purifier. But, unlike an RO Purifier it uses UF filters with larger pores to purify water.
It gives you great information so that you can decide which model of Water Purifier suits your needs.
Before we talk about the various pros and cons, let us have a quick look at the working and importance of a UF purifier.
What Is A UF Water Purifier?
UF stands for ‘Ultrafiltration’.
It is a gravity-based water purifier.
It works without electricity and uses water pressure to purify water. It does not use any chemicals to filter water.
A UF water purifier kills the harmful bacteria, viruses, cyst and other microbes present in the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Does a UF Purifier Purify Water?
Ultrafiltration Water Purifiers work on the principle of gravity.
Pre-Filter
When we pour impure water in the upper tank, the water first passes through a pre-filter. It removes larger particles or physical impurities like hair, sand, dust, mud, etc.
UF Filter
The water is then pulled downwards due to gravity and reaches the UF filter.
It is a hollow, semi-permeable membrane with 0.01 microns wide holes (larger than in RO purifiers).
The pore size of the purifier is so small that it does not allow bacteria, viruses and suspended particles to pass through it.
Bottom Tank
The filtered water then falls to the bottom tank. It has a dispenser tap which delivers purified water.
The only problem with this purifier is that it cannot remove heavy metals from water.
2. What are the Pros of Using a UF Water Purifier?
UF water purifiers have various advantages which are as under:
Works Without Electricity
UF purifier is a non-electric water filter. It works without electricity. So, we don’t need to worry if there is a power-cut.
Kills and Removes Germs From the Water
It kills the bacteria and other impurities from the water.
The UV purifiers only kill the bacteria and viruses. But, the dead bodies of the germs remain in the water.
Unlike the UV purifiers, it also removes the dead germs from the water which are flushed out when the purifier is flush cleaned online.
Filters Out Even the Eggs of Germs
Some purifiers also use Chlorine to kill the microbes present in water but, their cysts (eggs) are not destroyed.
The eggs of the microbes have very hard protective shells. These shells prevent the chlorine chemicals from penetrating inside.
The UF filters purify the water to the peak. It removes even the chlorine resistant eggs of the microbes.
If not removed, these cysts can cause diseases like Amoebic dysentery and other gastro problems.
Purifies Even the Turbid or Muddy Water
A UF purifier cleans even the turbid or muddy water. It removes the dirt, cysts, germs from the water.
In UV purifier, the dirt and mud present in water protect the germs against the UV rays. As a result, a UV purifier cannot purify the clay or turbid water.
More Efficient and Long Lasting
UF purifier can work up to 10 years when proper care is taken.
Also, it does not require much maintenance.
It has a unique Manual Flushing System which drains out the blocked mud and germs. It keeps the purifier in good condition for many years.
Whereas in UV purifiers, the UV bulb gets dimmer with time. The UV filter even gets blocked when scales are formed on the UV lamp. All this happens without any warning sign. You have to get the bulb replaced.
Fail Safe
It means that the UV water purifiers will never fail. UF membranes are tough to break, and they don’t allow the impure water to pass.
Whereas, a UV purifier becomes ineffective with time. UV purifier does not notify you when the UV lamp is barred, and you are getting unsafe water.
Less Wastage of Water
During the RO or UV process, a lot of water gets wasted. But in UF purifier, you get maximum output with minimum wastage of water.
3. What are the Cons of Using a UF Water Purifier?
The only drawback of a UF water purifier is that it cannot remove the dissolved solids and Fluorides in Drinking Water. If the TDS of water is very high, it won’t be able to purify the water.
Thus, a UF and a UV purifier works well for:
- a) Public or Community water supply.
b) Rain harvested water, pond or river water.
c) Water with good TDS Level.
So, it is best to opt for an RO purifier if you are not sure about the level of dissolved solids present in water.
Conclusion
All three water purifiers (RO, UV and UF) filters the water on different principles. You can opt any purifier of your choice amongst the three.
But, when you are using a UF purifier, make sure that the water is free from fluorides, Toxic Heavy Metal, and dissolved salts.
Otherwise, you should opt for an RO water purifier.