Process intensification with selected membrane processes

Membrane devices, membrane processes and membrane-based conventional chemical engineering processes have achieved extraordinary levels of process intensification (PI). Generally membrane-based devices require smaller equipment to achieve a given device production rate. Further they can eliminate dispersion-based operation and achieve extraordinary selectivity. Exploiting the compartmentalization of two regions on two sides of the membrane, membrane devices can combine two processes carried out on two sides of the membrane in one membrane device. Selected membrane processes and their applications are briefly reviewed here in terms of the level of PI achieved. The membrane processes selected are generally recently commercialized or being commercialized or have great potential for commercialization: membrane bioreactor, membrane gas-liquid contacting; membrane solvent extraction; forward osmosis; pressure-retarded osmosis; membrane distillation; membrane distillation bioreactor. Examples of potential process intensification by membrane processes are briefly illustrated for processing of lignocellulose to biofuels in a biorefinery and for produced water treatment.