Membrane Separation in Particle Technology

Front

What is the mechanism of membrane separation?

Back

Membrane acts as a semipermeable barrier, controlling the rate of transfer between two fluid phases, preventing ordinary hydrodynamic flow.

Front

What are the two categories of membranes?

Back

1. Symmetrical membrane: properties are uniform throughout. 2. Asymmetrical membrane: consists of a fine layer supported by a stronger layer.

Front

What are the advantages of ceramic membranes?

Back

1. Thermal stability for high temperatures. 2. Erosion resistance to prevent membrane damage. 3. High chemical resistance for treating active chemicals.

Front

What are the disadvantages of cellulosic membranes?

Back

1. Low thermal resistance (max 30°C). 2. Low acidity resistance causing deterging problems. 3. Low chemical resistance. 4. Low efficiency at high pressure. 5. Sensitive to bacterial attack.

Front

What is Knudsen diffusion?

Back

Diffusion occurring when the pore size is much smaller than the mean free path, leading to independent diffusion of gas molecules.

Front

What is the driving force for gas diffusion in a porous solid?

Back

Capillary forces.

Front

What is the process of dialysis in liquid permeation?

Back

Solute molecules diffuse through the liquid film of the first liquid phase, then through the membrane, and finally through the second liquid phase.

Front

What is reverse osmosis?

Back

A process where a pressure difference is imposed to reverse the flow of solvent, separating low molecular weight solutes from a solvent.

Front

What are the advantages of reverse osmosis?

Back

1. Blocks all ion particles. 2. Compact systems requiring little space. 3. No chemicals needed for purification. 4. Low energy requirement. 5. Automated operation.

Front

What is ultrafiltration?

Back

A membrane process that separates high molecular weight solutes based on size, shape, or chemical structure.