FLUX ENHANCEMENT IN MEMBRANE SEPARATIONS

摘要

The present invention relates to novel methods for the enhancement of membrane fluxes and permeability in liquid and gas separations, while retaining membrane selectivity. Membranes comprising specific additives or materials that are susceptible to electromagnetic irradiation are heated locally by irradiating the membrane with an electromagnetic source such as light or microwaves and subsequent conversion of the electromagnetic energy into heat energy, thus inducing a flux increase. The effect is comparable to an increased process temperature, an often applied strategy in which case the entire feed has to be heated to a certain temperature. Heating the membrane locally, according to the methods of the present invention, is energetically and economically more efficient.