Membrane Distillation: An Emerging Technology

Abstract

Membrane distillation is a process that utilizes both temperature and pressure difference which results in the 100% theoretical separation of non-volatiles though the distillation is the very old form of purifying water this is the modified form of distillation that uses the membrane for better separation and it is also a highly effective one which can replace the conventional methods if it is exploited properly. This article aimed to develop a better understanding of membrane distillation from the basics. It is one of the second generation processes which can replace many pressure-driven processes but the poor knowledge on membrane distillation modules, the effects of membrane preparation on membrane properties, and also the hydrophobicity of membranes prevents the use of membrane technology on a commercial scale. This article gives wide knowledge on the history of Membrane Distillation and how it is evolved over the years, its principles and the mechanism by which the separation process occurs, and also the equations which are obtained from the heat and mass transfer, a brief explanation of various membrane configurations and their merits and demerits along with certain applications, and this article also provides the application of MD in the industries and how it can be used sustainably as the world is heading towards the use of energy from renewable sources, though it has many applications it has some drawback which prevents it from implementing it on large scale for commercial purposes those drawbacks also discussed it in the articles and the solutions provided.