Water tools

    Membrane rejection and log removal value

    Rejection reads as a percentage; log removal reads as a count of nines. For pathogens and challenge tests the log form is the one regulators use.

    Log removal value
    5.89
    Rejection
    99.99987%
    Nines
    5

    An LRV of 4 is 99.99% rejection; of 6, 99.9999%.

    How it works

    Rej=1−CPCFLRV=log10CFCP=−log10(1−Rej)(1)
    where
    Rej
    rejection, fraction
    CF,CP
    feed and permeate concentration, any common unit
    LRV
    log removal value

    When the permeate is below detection, the LRV is a lower bound computed with the detection limit. Rejection is not a step function at the pore rating: pore-size distribution, particle shape and charge all matter. Microfiltration should not be relied on for complete virus removal; ultrafiltration virus removal depends on the molecular weight cut-off. Adsorption and cake filtration add removal that is not credited.

    Related reading

    These calculators use standard published formulas and are provided for preliminary engineering guidance. Confirm against measured data and vendor projections before design. Model your full water matrix in Nepti or post your project to compare provider proposals.