Removal of Volatile Organic Compounds from Water by Pervaporation with Vibrating Membrane Modules

摘要

Three commercial-scale vibrating pervaporation membrane modules have been fabricated and evaluated for the separation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from aqueous solutions. Experiments with surrogate solutions of up to five hydrophobic VOCs (including 1,1,1- trichloroethane (TCA), trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)) were performed to compare performance of the full-scale vibrating modules with each other as well as with the performance of a laboratory-scale vibrating system. Each of the full-scale modules had design differences that resulted in process performance differences. The three modules differed in membrane material (and thickness), membrane area, liquid flow pattern, and permeate vapor pathway. These design features and the effect on performance will be described. In addition, one of the modules was tested for the removal of hydrophilic organic compounds from water, including acetone, ethanol, n-butanol, and isopropanol. Process variables studied were vibrational amplitude, temperature, and liquid flow rate. The strengths and weaknesses of a vibrating membrane system relative to non-vibrating alternatives will be described.