Full Description

Membrane distillation (MD) is a relatively new process that is being investigatedas a low cost, energy saving alternative to separation processes such as distillation and reverse osmosis (RO). MD is well suited for the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and may be a relatively economic and environmentally friendly tool to produce potable drinking water. In the MD process, a heated aqueous feed solution is brought into contact with a hydrophobic microporous membrane. The hydrophobic natureof the membrane prevents penetration of the aqueous solution into the pores, resulting in a liquid-vapor interface at each pore entrance and convective flux of vapors to the permeate side of the membrane. A variety of methods may be employed to impose a vapor pressure difference across the membrane and drive mass transfer across the membrane. One of these, vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) is considered a suitable configuration for the removal and separation of VOCs and dissolved gases from aqueous solutions. This study investigated the use of VMD to remove a mixture of disinfection byproducts in the presence of organic matter in the feed solution. Unlike previous investigations, which used binary solutions ofultrapure water and a single VOC, this research used naturally occurring disinfection byproducts and their precursors at concentrations typical of those found in a conventional surface water treatment facility. Includes 9 references, figures.

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Edition: Vol. - No. Published: 05/01/2001 Number of Pages: 4File Size: 1 file , 330 KB