Separation of binary mixtures by thermostatic sweeping gas membrane distillation I. Theory and simulations

A math. model describing a novel sweeping gas membrane distn. (SGMD) configuration is presented and the sepn. of two volatile components from binary mixts. by this membrane process is theor. investigated. SGMD configuration is modified by using a thermostated sweeping gas in order to enhance the driving forces decrease along the module. A Stefan-Maxwell-based model that includes vapor-liq. equil. and heat and mass transfer relations is used. This model that takes into account temp. and concn. polarization effects as well as temp. and concn. variation along the module length is employed to predict the flux and selectivity under the relevant operating conditions. Finally, a theor. evaluation of this particular configuration with respect to direct contact MD configuration is discussed. [on SciFinder (R)]