Membrane filtration (IO, NF, UF, MF) - Theoretical aspects: transfer mechanisms

The aim of this dossier [J 2789] is to analyze the transfer mechanisms involved in membrane filtrations such as :

• OI reverse osmosis;

• nanofiltration NF ;

• UF ultrafiltration;

• MFT microfiltration;

so that the user can identify the most limiting transfer mechanisms for a given application, and understand the influence of operating conditions on process operation.

After a few general points, we present the theoretical considerations required to analyze the transfer mechanisms that determine process operation: filtration speed, material accumulation and selectivity. This dossier forms the theoretical basis on which the [J 2 790v2] dossier is based, providing the theoretical tools required for process design and optimization. In simplified terms, this file presents the cause of the phenomena (the transfer mechanisms involved), while the [J 2 790v2] file presents the consequences of these phenomena on process efficiency (permeability and selectivity).