Some features of polymeric membranes for water purification via membrane distillation

摘要: Polymeric membranes are currently adopted in water purification processes, such as reverse osmosis (RO) and membrane distillation (MD). This latter technique is very promising for separation effectiveness energy savings. A valuable effective MD unit must be equipped with polymeric that exhibit specific properties, example, hydrophobicity, a narrow pore size range, high penetration pressure, large vapor permeability. In this work, we present examine the main features of aim experimentally evaluating related performances. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was carried out first estimate distribution; showed discrepancy between nominal actual distribution. Vapor flux under typical conditions measured different commercial membranes, values 35 kg m−2 h−1 were observed. Polytetrafluoroethylene more permeable both configurations tested. The liquid entry pressure (LEP) an irreversible decrease early operation cycles to microstructural modifications. LEP reversible increasing temperature observed; selection, value had corrected effect correct choice. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci,