Membranes in Chemical Processing a Review of Applications and Novel Developments

Abstract

The recent development of membrane technology will strongly influence the way industry evaluates separation processes in the immediate future. In some fields membranes are already “proven technology” and incorporated in various production lines or purification processes; mainly within the food and dairy industries, water purification and treatment of liquid effluent streams. Smaller membrane modules for medical applications are also common, but large units in the chemical process industry are still rather rare. This article gives a comprehensive overview of current applications, novel developments and potential for the use of membranes in selected industries within energy production, chemical process industry, wastewater treatment and gas purification. A brief summary for applications in industries like food and beverages, phannaceutics and biochemical industry is also presented together with comprehensive references.