Membrane Separation

Separation Processes

Membrane Separation

Membrane Separation
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

Classification
1. Gas Diffusion (Porous Solid)
Gas phase is present in both sides of the
membrane. Transport is Knudsen diffusion

2. Gas Permeation (Semipermeable Membrane)

Based on solution-diffusion mechanism.
Generally dominated by Fickian diffusion.

Classification
3. Dialysis or Liquid Permeation
Small molecules pass through a membrane,
while large ones are held up.

4. Reverse Osmosis
Used to separate smaller solute from a solvent by
application of a pressure gradient.

5. Ultrafiltration
The process discriminates between high
molecular weight solutes. Separation occurs
through a membrane applied with a pressure
gradient.

Gas Diffusion through Porous Solids

Gas Diffusion through Membrane

Gas Diffusion through Membrane

Flow Patterns in Gas Permeation

Flow Patterns in Gas Permeation

1. Complete mixing model

Flow Patterns in Gas Permeation

2. Cross-flow model

Flow Patterns in Gas Permeation

3. Cross-flow model

Effects of Variables on Gas Permeation

1. Pressure Ratio and Separation Factor

Effects of Variables on Gas Permeation

2. Flow Pattern

Liquid Permeation/Dialysis

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse Osmosis
1. Diffusion-type model

Reverse Osmosis
1. Diffusion-type model
Solvent Rejection:

Reverse Osmosis
1. Diffusion-type model
Solvent Rejection:

Reverse Osmosis
2. Complete Mixing model

Reverse Osmosis
3. Other Models

Ultrafiltration

Ultrafiltration
Effect of Solute concentration

OTHER THINGS

Hollow fiber:

Spiral wound

Ceramic Membrane Elements

Spiral UF system