Ultrafiltration

Ultrafiltration

Ultrafiltration is critical in preparing water and bicarbonate concentrate for dialysis, providing microbial and endotoxin reduction essential to treatment quality. Installed downstream of primary water purification systems, these filters add a layer of protection that helps maintain consistent water conditions across both centralized systems and portable RO or DI equipment. Their ultrafine, 0.005-micron hollow-fiber membranes deliver strong retention of bacteria, viruses, and endotoxins through size exclusion while maintaining flow to the equipment they supply.

Ultrafiltration for Dialysis Water Pathways

Because dialysis water systems vary in scale, configuration, and operating pressure, they need filtration solutions that match differences in volume, flow rate, footprint, and installation design. Cartridge-style ultrafilters integrate easily within central water rooms and high-volume distribution systems for long service intervals and strong microbial and endotoxin retention. In-line ultrafilters, sized for compact routing and flexible placement, pair well with portable RO or DI equipment and act as a polishing step before water or bicarbonate concentrate enters the dialysis machine.

Ultrafiltration in Central Water Systems

Hemodialysis patients may be exposed to 300–600 liters of water per week, underscoring the importance of producing clean, pathogen-free water before it reaches treatment areas. Central systems rely on upstream technologies like reverse osmosis to remove contaminants, while dedicated endotoxin filtration strengthens the final water quality. Long-life cartridge filters, including options like EndoPur and DSU-D, serve as FDA-cleared barriers for endotoxins, in addition to retaining bacteria and viruses for up to 12 months, reducing labor associated with frequent changeouts in high-volume environments.

Integrating Dialysis Ultrafilters

Cartridge filters with 222 O-ring connections serve centralized systems that require high-capacity filtration, and in-line ultrafilters, including DSU-D, SSU-D, and SSUmini, integrate upstream of dialysis machines to help prepare ultrapure water or bicarbonate concentrate for clinical use. Effective for up to 12 months and compatible with chemical or heat disinfection, these models help meet industry expectations for water and dialysate preparation across portable and stationary systems.

Select dialysis ultrafilter models also hold regulatory clearance outside the U.S., including approval by ANVISA in Brazil for SSUmini and EndoPur, and by Health Canada for DSU-D and SSU-D, supporting use in regulated international dialysis environments.