Membrane filtration is often used to supplement conventional centrifugal separation processes based on gravity differences.     Alfa Laval microfiltration spiral membranes are extremely cost-effective to operate, largely as the result of the low energy consumption involved. They also have the advantage of eliminating the frequent replacement and disposal of the cartridges and other consumables used in traditional dead-end filtration. Alfa Laval microfiltration spiral membranes are extremely durable, with service lives that can extend over more than five years. Microfiltration is used on feed streams where the aim is to remove small-diameter dispersed solids such as bacteria, fat and oil globules without affecting the balance of the components dissolved within the stream.