Ultrafiltration for Marine and Offshore Water Systems
A watermaker fails on particles long before it fails on salt rejection. Harbour water carries the silt, algae and organics that blind a membrane surface, so a washable 0.01 micron stage ahead of the RO element is cheaper than replacing elements in a distant port.
Marine installations add two constraints to any water treatment decision: space below deck and the impossibility of a service call. Both push toward passive stainless hardware with a washable element, and away from anything that needs a cartridge delivered to an island.
Where does the UF stage sit relative to the watermaker?
Between the sea strainer and the high-pressure pump. That position protects the pump and the RO element, and lets the UF element be backflushed with product water rather than chemicals. Keep the strainer - the UF stage is not a replacement for coarse debris protection.
What does it do for shore water connections?
Marina supply is often the weakest link in the chain: unknown turbidity, variable chlorine, occasional sediment after maintenance. A small UF stage at the shore connection protects the onboard tanks and taste without carrying chemicals.
What still needs separate treatment?
Salinity is the watermaker job, not the filter job. Fuel, oil and chemical contamination also pass through a hollow fibre membrane - if those risks exist, they need their own safeguards.
Typical configuration
H-1 Whole-House UF Water Purifier
Horizontal whole-house ultrafiltration purifier in food-grade 304 stainless steel, with a uniform Φ168 mm cylinder and flow options from 3000 to 10000 L/h. PVDF or PVC membrane at 0.01 micron, no electricity required.
3,000-10,000 L/h · 304 stainless, washable
ZH-B 3-Stage Transparent Under-Sink UF System
Three-stage under-sink system with transparent reinforced housings: PP cotton, carbon block and a hollow fiber UF membrane at 350 L/h. The clear housing lets an end user see cartridge condition without opening the unit.
350 L/h · Compact under-galley install
C-B2 Faucet-Mounted UF Water Purifier
Compact faucet-mounted purifier with a 304 stainless steel base and transparent housing. Cartridge options cover UF, carbon block, UF + CTO and ceramic composite, all at 0.01 micron and 1.5–2.0 L/min.
1.5-2.0 L/min · Galley tap polish
Frequently asked questions
Will it protect the RO element from algae blooms?
It removes the particle and organism load that blooms produce, which is what blinds elements. A bloom can still overwhelm the element quickly, so watch differential pressure and backwash more often in harbour.
Can it be installed in a wet locker?
The 304 stainless housing tolerates a marine environment, but specify the mounting and fittings for salt exposure - stainless fasteners against stainless plate, and a drip loop in any wiring.
Does it work at anchor with no generator?
The membrane needs no power, only pressure from your pump. Backwash valves can be manual, which removes the electrical dependency entirely.
Work out the numbers
Send your watermaker model, feed pump pressure and space available - we will specify the module and fittings.