Liquid Separations with Membranes

On the level of a textbook a self-consistent approach to liquid separations with membranes is presented, contrasting equilibrium separations with the rate-controlling effects of barrier interference on mass transfer. As a corollary objective, an effort is made to observe context, factual and historical, when introducing concepts and applications of membrane separation science. Ordering principle is the formal structure of mass transfer across permeable barriers, being construed of a driving force (allocated to the condition of the mixtures to be separated) and a barrier permeability (holding the keys to membrane selectivity). The membranes, by this approach, appear by way of the mass transport requirements which they are to meet, or else by way of the separation effects which they inspire. Exploiting barrier interference is the challenge of membrane separation science and technology. This book is about the principles behind.

This book presents a self-consistent approach to separations of liquids with membranes, contrasting equilibrium separations with the rate-controlling effects of barrier interference on mass transfer. Unlike equilibrium separations, which depend on the thermodynamic condition of the fluid mixtures alone, barrier separations additionally are subject to specific interactions of the mixture components with the barrier. While the thermodynamics of fluid mixtures is predictable and open to adjustment, barrier interference adds another dimension to the repertoire of separation effects. Exploiting barrier interference is the challenge of membrane separation science and technology. This book is about the principles behind. 

This second edition incorporates the remarkable new developments especially in the field of hydrophobicity of surfaces and closely connected membrane distillation. Additionally, the new edition includes a chapter on Electrodialysis and its potential for energy efficient seawater desalination.