Membrane Distillation

Membrane distillation is a separation process where a hydrophobic membrane separates two aqueous solutions at different temperatures. The vapour pressure difference induced by the temperature difference across the hydrophobic membrane generates the separation of volatile components. For supply solutions that only contain non-volatile substances, such as salts, water vapour will be transported through the membrane whereby demineralised water is obtained on the distillation-side and a further concentrated salt flow on the supply-side.

This process has various applications, such as desalination, wastewater treatment and in the food industry.