By the application of membrane contactor technique dissolved gases (CO2, O2) can be removed from aqueous solutions, or gases can be adsorbed in liquids. Membrane contactors are devices with hydrophobic, microporous capillary membranes that allow gaseous and liquid phases to come in contact for mass transfer without phase dispersion. Due to the construction water will not pass through membrane which is acting as a support between phases.
Fields of application
1. Oxygen removal
boiler feed water ---> lifespan and efficiency extension
process water in microelectronics --> improvement of cost efficiency
alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages: --> uniform quality, longer shelf-life
2.Carbon dioxide removal
EDI/CDI feed water --> better output quality
ion exchanger feed water --> longer cycles, reduced chemical usage
3. Carbon dioxide adsorption
beverages, mineral water --> reduction of microbial activities, elevation of sensory values
4. Nitrogen adsorption
beers --> better foam characteristic
5. Corrosion protection
degassing without chemicals
6. Ammonia removal from waste water
7. Others
liquid-liquid extraction, concentration of fruit juice
Operation theory
According to Henry’s law the amount of gas that dissolves into water at equilibrium is proportional to its partial pressure in the vapor phase which is in contact with water phase. If the partial pressure of the gas which is in contact with water is reduced the concentration of the same gas dissolved in the water is also reduced. Methods to reduce partial pressure of a certain gas:
reduction of total pressure with application of vacuum
reduction of partial pressure of a given gas: sweep gas introduction, sweep gas does not contain the gas to be removed (e. g. nitrogen as sweep gas for oxygen removal)
By the application of membrane contactor technique dissolved gases (CO2, O2) can be removed from aqueous solutions, or gases can be adsorbed in liquids. Membrane contactors are devices with hydrophobic, microporous capillary membranes that allow gaseous and liquid phases to come in contact for mass transfer without phase dispersion. Due to the construction water will not pass through membrane which is acting as a support between phases.
Fields of application
1. Oxygen removal
2. Carbon dioxide removal
3. Carbon dioxide adsorption
4. Nitrogen adsorption
5. Corrosion protection
6. Ammonia removal from waste water
7. Others
Operation theory
According to Henry’s law the amount of gas that dissolves into water at equilibrium is proportional to its partial pressure in the vapor phase which is in contact with water phase. If the partial pressure of the gas which is in contact with water is reduced the concentration of the same gas dissolved in the water is also reduced. Methods to reduce partial pressure of a certain gas: