Nanofiltration-NF

Nanofiltration (NF) functions similarly to reverse osmosis, but is generally targeted to remove only divalent and larger ions. Monovalent ions such as sodium and chloride will pass through a nanofiltration membrane, therefore many of its uses involve de-salting of the process stream

In the production of lactose from cheese whey, for example, NF concentrates lactose molecules while passing salts, a procedure that purifies and concentrates the lactose stream. In water treatment, NF membranes are used for hardness removal (in place of water softeners), pesticide elimination, and color reduction. It can also be used to reclaim spent NaOH solutions, in which case the permeate stream is purified NaOH, allowing reuse many times over