Particle Size Chart: Removal Range by Filtration

Below is a particle size chart displaying the sizes of well-known objects and particulates, illustrated in the size of the micrometer (micron). This is a comparison chart for particle size removal of thin-film membranes used in reverse osmosis systems.

Particle Size Comparison Diagram

Particle Size Chart

Particle Size Chart Removal Range by Filtration
Source: ‘Water Proccessing: Third Edition’, Wes McGowan, Water Quality Association, 2001

Typical Removal Rates for Thin-Film Composite Membranes

At 65 PSI Feed Pressure and 77 Degrees Temperature
Arsenic 94% Barium 99% Fluoride 93% Nitrates 87% Nitrites 87%
Asbestos 99% Cadmium 98% Lead 99% Radium 80% Hexavalent Chromium 86%
Cyanide 86% Copper 99% Mercury 91% Selenium 96% Trivalent Chromium 88%