Fouling and wetting: a major challenge for membrane distillation

摘要: Membrane distillation is a widely adapted thermally driven technology that offers versatilities in desalination and wastewater treatment. The prominent challenge for membrane distillation is membrane fouling and wetting that has received amplitude of attention over the past few decades, but very few researchers have explored the minimization of fouling-wetting phenomenon so far. This book chapter specifically focusses on mechanism of fouling and wetting, achievable prevention techniques, and selection of key parameters of membrane properties, useful in curtailing the concerns of membrane fouling. Even the role of hydrophobicity, pore size, and thickness of membrane is discussed in this article. The book chapter also illustrates the stages of membrane fouling and its harmful effects, fouling differences due to various sources of water, effects of operating parameters, fouling prevention, and cleaning techniques …