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Chapter 13: Membrane Processes

This document discusses membrane processes and different types of membranes. It covers four main types of membranes: reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, and microfiltration. It also discusses electrodialysis membranes and their ability to selectively allow passage of positively or negatively charged ions. Common applications of micro- and ultrafiltration include water treatment processes like iron/manganese removal. Reverse osmosis and nanofiltration are commonly used for desalination. Operating pressures ranges from 5-600 psig depending on the membrane type. Fouling is addressed as membranes are expensive to replace and various methods like pulsing or vibration can help reduce fouling.

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Jason Connor
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74 views

Chapter 13: Membrane Processes

This document discusses membrane processes and different types of membranes. It covers four main types of membranes: reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, and microfiltration. It also discusses electrodialysis membranes and their ability to selectively allow passage of positively or negatively charged ions. Common applications of micro- and ultrafiltration include water treatment processes like iron/manganese removal. Reverse osmosis and nanofiltration are commonly used for desalination. Operating pressures ranges from 5-600 psig depending on the membrane type. Fouling is addressed as membranes are expensive to replace and various methods like pulsing or vibration can help reduce fouling.

Uploaded by

Jason Connor
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Chapter 13: Membrane Processes

A membrane is a selective barrier that permits the


separation of certain species in a fluid by
combination of sieving and diffusion mechanisms
Membranes can separate particles and molecules
and over a wide particle size range and molecular
weights

Membrane Processes

Four common types of membranes:


Reverse Osmosis
Nanofiltration
Ultrafiltration
Microfiltration

Electrodialysis:
In the ED process a semi-permeable barrier
allows passage of either positively charged ions
(cations) or negatively charged ions (anions)
while excluding passage of ions of the opposite
charge. These semi-permeable barriers are
commonly known as ion-exchange, ion-selective
or electrodialysis membranes.

Hollow fiber:

Ceramic Membrane Elements

Spiral UF system

Applications of Micro- and Ultrafiltration:


Conventional water treatment (replace all processes
except disinfection).
Pretreat water for R.O and nanofiltration.
Iron/Manganese removal (after oxidation).
Removal of DBP precursors.

Applications for R.O. and nanofiltration:


R.O. application mostly desalination.
Nanofiltration first developed to remove hardness.
Nanofiltration can be used to remove DBP
precursors

Operating pressure ranges:


R.O./NF: 80 600 psig
MF/UF:

5 60 psig

Fouling of membranes due to accumulation of


solute/particulates at the membrane interface has to be
addressed for economic reasons. The membranes are
too expensive to be replaced for reasons of fouling.

Fouling

There are various ways to reduce this fouling such as:


Periodic pulsing of feed
Periodic pulsing filtrate (backwashing)
Increasing shear at by rotating membrane
Vibrating membrane (VSEP technology , next slide)
A common method to clean the membrane system is to
just reverse the flow pattern.

Vibrating shear
to prevent fouling

VSEP Technology

Membrane Processes are becoming


popular because they are considered
Green technology - no chemicals are
used in the process.

Flux through the membrane


(including both films)

Example:
A liquid containing solute A at 3 x 10-2 kmol/m3 is flowing
past a membrane of thickness L = 0.3um. The distribution
coefficient K= 1.5 and DAB = 7x10-11 m2/s in the
membrane. The solute diffuses through the membrane and
its concentration on the other side is 0.5 x 10-2 kmol/m3.
The mass transfer coefficient kc1 is large and can be
considered infinite, while kc2=2.02x10-5 m/s. Calculate the
flux and the membrane interface concentrations (c2i and
c2is).

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