Membrane distillation is a thermal desalination process driven by the vapour pressure difference across a membrane, created by a temperature difference. Compared with reverse osmosis membranes, with pore diameters of 0.1–3.5 nm, membrane distillation membranes have pore diameters of 0.1–0.4 µm. Separation relies on the hydrophobic nature of the membrane, which lets only water vapour through. This separates volatile from non-volatile matter and can produce very high-quality product water.
Membrane distillation is normally used where waste heat is available in the process as steam or hot water. At KEIKEN we go further and propose hybridisation with renewable energy sources.
Hybridisation with renewable energy, as designed by KEIKEN, makes it possible to produce drinking water in remote areas or areas with power cuts, increasing operational security independently and sustainably. Combined with high-efficiency equipment, renewable energy reduces the costs of the process.
Membrane distillation hybridised with conventional and renewable energy has many advantages:
- Rejection of virtually all solids and non-volatile matter, as only vapour molecules can pass through the membrane.
- In most cases, no chemical pretreatment is needed, avoiding its cost.
- Lower capital cost thanks to the materials used.
- Lower operating costs thanks to the use of renewable energy.
- Lower primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
- Robust, easy-to-use technology.
- Versatile in terms of applications.
Thanks to our experience and versatility, we can supply our clients with water treatment plants using innovative, efficient technologies such as membrane distillation, at the capacities they need. See our COMPACT PLANTS.
For our water treatment and membrane distillation services or more information, email info@keiken.es or contact us.
