Membrane separation processes that make use of microfiltration (MF), and ultrafiltration (UF) are governed by transmembrane pressure driving force, while nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) separations are governed by both applied pressure and osmotic pressure. In recent years membrane technology has progressed to offer low pressure separation processes such as forward osmosis (FO), and as a means of harnessing salinity gradients for energy production via pressure retarded osmosis (PRO). Membranes have also enabled the development of efficient membrane bioreactors for wastewater treatment. Membrane separation processes for water treatment and desalination are scalable from small applications to large municipal plants. Despite the increasing acceptability of membrane technology in water treatment and desalination, membrane fouling by colloids, microorganisms, and organics as well as mineral scaling remain an operational challenge for membrane-based processes. Accordingly, significant efforts have been devoted by industry and the research community to developing selective and high permeability membranes that are less prone to fouling and mineral scaling and are more tolerant to oxidants. New materials and processing methods and developments in nanotechnology have enabled new membrane fabrication and surface structuring concepts. A critical overview of important advances will be provided, focusing on areas with the potential of providing a major leap forward in membrane technologies for water treatment and desalination. In particular, an analysis of the expected level of improvements in overall membrane desalination process performance will be discussed considering fundamental constraints imposed by thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and process economics. Aspects of membrane permeability, selectivity and process configurability and their relevance to improving membrane process performance will also be discussed with specific examples provided of recent improvements in membrane materials, process configurability, optimization and control. In particular, such fundamental advances will be placed within the context of practical considerations and field demonstrations toward reducing energy consumption, increasing membrane robustness and water recovery, while aiming to reduce the overall cost of water desalination.

Membrane technology for water purification, desalination and in energy production: Current status and challenges

251st National Meeting (2016)

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