K De Sitter

Integrated systems involving membrane distillation and applications

Abstract This chapter describes the applications of membrane distillation (MD), in relation to other processes, as alternative or as integrated processes. The emphasis is on the dominant application of MD, which is seawater desalination. This is discussed for small-scale applications, for pilot-scale and for (semi)commercial-scale operations; a comparison between different systems is made. The results obtained at larger scale show a path for the future and demonstrate the clear potential of MD. The economics of the process, which are related to the energy sources that can be used in a given application, are briefly discussed. Other applications reviewed in this chapter focus on aqueous applications (wastewater in different industries and natural waters) and on the food industry. It is suggested that these may be only the top of the iceberg, and that many new applications will emerge in the decades to come; these may have the most potential when operated as integrated processes in conjunction with other separation processes, as part of an overall strategy of recycling and resource recovery.