Fundamental Modelling of Membrane Systems: Membrane and Process Performance summarizes the state-of-the-art modeling approaches for all significant membrane processes, from molecular transport, to process level, helping researchers and students who carry out experimental research save time and accurately interpret experimental data. The book provides an overview of the different membrane technologies, handling micro-, ultra-, and nanofiltration, reverse and forward osmosis, pervaporation, gas permeation, supported liquid membranes, membrane contactors, membrane bioreactors and ion-exchange membrane systems. Examples of hybrid membrane systems are also included. Presents an accessible reference on how to model membranes and membrane processes Provides a clear, mathematical description of mass transfer in membrane systems Written by well-known, prominent authors in the field of membrane science

Integrates knowledge on microfiltration and ultrification, membrane chemistry, and characterization methods with the engineering and economic aspects of device performance, device and module design, processes, and applications. The text provides a discussion of membrane fundamentals and an analytical framework for designing and developing new filtrations systems for a broad range of technologically important functions. It offers information on membrane liquid precursors, fractal and stochastic pore space analysis, novel and advanced module designs, and original process design calculations.

Integrates knowledge on microfiltration and ultrification, membrane chemistry, and characterization methods with the engineering and economic aspects of device performance, device and module design, processes, and applications. The text provides a discussion of membrane fundamentals and an analytical framework for designing and developing new filtrations systems for a broad range of technologically important functions. It offers information on membrane liquid precursors, fractal and stochastic pore space analysis, novel and advanced module designs, and original process design calculations.

Fouling problems are perhaps the single most important reason for relatively slow acceptance of ultrafiltration in many areas of chemical and biological processing. To overcome the losses in permeate flux associated with concentration polarization and fouling in cross flow membrane filtration, we investigated the concept of flow reversal as a method to enhance membrane flux in ultrafiltration. Conceptually, flow reversal prevents the formation of stable hydrodynamic and concentration boundary layers at or near the membrane surface. Further more, periodic reversal of the flow direction of the feed stream at the membrane surface results in prevention and mitigation of membrane fouling. Consequently, these advantages are expected to enhance membrane flux significantly. A crossflow membrane filtration unit was designed and built to test the concept of periodic flow reversal for flux enhancement. The essential elements of the system include a crossflow hollow fiber membrane module integrated with a two-way valve to direct the feed flow directions. The two-way valve is controlled by a controller-timer for periodic reversal of flow of feed stream. Another important feature of the system is that with changing feed flow direction, the permeate flow direction is also changed to maintain countercurrent feed and permeate flows for enhanced mass transfer driving force (concentration difference). Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is a well-studied model solute in membrane filtration known for its fouling and concentration polarization capabilities. Laboratory-scale tests on a hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membrane module using BSA solution as feed show that under flow reversal conditions, the permeate flux is significantly enhanced when compared with the conventional unidirectional flow. The flux enhancement is dramatic (by an order of magnitude) with increased feed concentration and operating transmembrane pressure.

This book presents the editor's recently proposed mathematical models for flux prediction in membrane filtration. It also provides typical mathematical models used in the development of membrane fouling control and explains the step-by-step derivation of these models. The book then highlights how these mathematical models provide insights into the mechanisms of membrane fouling and cleaning to allow for a better understanding of the complete membrane filtration process. Given its scope, this book appeals to a broad readership, particularly professionals at universities as well as engineers engaged in membrane separation in an industrial process.