Title: Potential of membrane distillation - a comprehensive review

Authors: Adnan AlHathal Al-Anezi; Adel O. Sharif; Mohammed I. Sanduk; Abdul Rahman Khan

Addresses: Centre for Osmosis Research and Applications (CORA), Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, College of Technological Studies, The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), P.O. Box 42325, Shuwaikh 70654, Kuwait ' Centre for Osmosis Research and Applications (CORA), Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK ' Centre for Osmosis Research and Applications (CORA), Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK ' Department of Environment Technology and Management, College for Women, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 5969, Safat 13060, Kuwait

Abstract: Membrane distillation (MD) is a recent and unique separation technology, in use in the process industry. The process of separation in MD involves the simultaneous heat and mass transfer through a hydrophobic semi permeable membrane, using thermal energy. Consequently a separation of the feed solution into two components - the permeate or product and the retentate or the return stream occurs. MD utilises low grade or alternative energy, e.g., solar energy, geothermal energy, etc., as a source and is the most cost effective separation technology. Hence the process has come to acquire the attention and interest of researchers, experimentalists and theoreticians all over the world. This article is a comprehensive review of the prominent research in the field of MD technology, including its basic principle, MD configurations, area of applications, membrane characteristics and modules, experimental studies involving the effect of main operating parameters, MD energy and economic, fouling and long-term performance.

Keywords: membrane distillation; MD configurations; membrane modules; operating parameters; economics; membrane fouling; long-term performance; separation technology; mass transfer; heat transfer; alternative energy; solar energy; geothermal energy; solar power; process industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJW.2013.056674

International Journal of Water, 2013 Vol.7 No.4, pp.317 - 346

Received: 18 Jun 2011
Accepted: 13 Jul 2012
Published online: 21 Oct 2014 *

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