Membrane Separation

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI
MARA FAKULTI
KEJURUTERAAN KIMIA
HEAT & MASS TRANSFER
LABORATORY(CHE504)

NAME : HAIKAL BIN SUHAIMI

STUDENT NO : 2022961933
GROUP : CEEH2204_A
EXPERIMENT : MEMBRANE SEPARATION (L9 - INDIVIDUAL)
DATE PERFORMED : 17th OCTOBER 2023
SEMESTER :4
PROGRAMME / CODE : CHEMICAL ENGINEERING / CEEH2202
SUBMIT TO : TS. DR. HABSAH BINTI ALWI

No. Title Allocated Marks (%) Marks

1 Abstract 10
2 Introduction 10
3 Results 15
4 Calculations 15
5 Discussion 20
6 Conclusion 10
7 Recommendations 10
8 Reference 5
9 Appendices 5
TOTAL MARKS 100

Remarks:

Checked by: Rechecked by:

Date: Date:

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1.0 Abstract

The membrane separation process involves splitting a feed stream into two parts: retentate, which
contains the components that don't pass through the membrane, and permeate, which contains the
components that do pass through. In this experiment, we used the Membrane Test Unit model
TR14 to conduct the separation process. The goal was to examine the characteristics of four distinct
types of silicone membranes, each subjected to a different driving force: reverse osmosis,
nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, and microfiltration processes. The mass flux of permeate for the four
membranes is as follows: 30.07 g/min for membrane 1, 103.67 g/min for membrane 2, 6.621 g/min
for membrane 3, and 177.32 g/min for membrane 4. This data indicates that microfiltration is the
fastest and most permeable separation process, while nanofiltration is the slowest and less
permeable. Membranes with a hydrophilic nature allow water molecules to pass through, while
hydrophobic membranes prevent water molecules from passing. The experiment has achieved its
objective and is considered successful.

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Table of Contents

1.0 Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... 2

2.0 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Microfiltration ............................................................................................................................. 4
2.2 Ultrafiltration .............................................................................................................................. 4
2.3 Reverse Osmosis ......................................................................................................................... 4
2.4 Nanofiltration .............................................................................................................................. 4
3.0 Results ............................................................................................................................................. 5
4.0 Calculations .................................................................................................................................... 6
5.0 Discussion ....................................................................................................................................... 7
6.0 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................... 8
7.0 Recommendation ............................................................................................................................ 8
8.0 References ....................................................................................................................................... 9
9.0 Appendices .................................................................................................................................... 10

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2.0 Introduction

Membrane-based separations are gaining importance in various industries. Unlike

traditional methods like distillation, sublimation, or crystallization, membrane separation
processes do not require heating, making them more energy-efficient. In this process, the feed
stream is divided into two parts: permeate and retentate. Permeate consists of the molecules that
can pass through the membrane, while retentate comprises those that cannot. Typically, the two
fluid phases are mixable, and the barrier prevents natural fluid flow. The semi-permeability of the
membrane barrier, and its ability to control the movement of molecules between different phases,
whether liquid-liquid, gas-gas, or liquid-gas, determines the separation process.

2.1 Microfiltration
In microfiltration, pressure-driven flow through the membrane separates micro-sized
particles from fluids. These particles are generally larger than those in ultrafiltration and
include substances like bacteria, paint pigment, yeast cells, and more.

2.2 Ultrafiltration
In ultrafiltration, a semipermeable polymeric membrane (M2) is used to separate molecules
based on their size, shape, or chemical structure. It effectively separates high-molecular-
weight solutes and colloidal materials using pressure.

2.3 Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis involves placing a membrane between a solute-solvent solution and a pure
solvent, preventing the passage of low-molecular-weight solutes. The solvent moves into
the solution via osmosis, and reverse osmosis creates a pressure difference, reversing the
solvent flow.

2.4 Nanofiltration
A recent advancement in membrane separation, nanofiltration deals with materials
dissolved in a liquid. It separates solute and solvent by allowing solvent molecules to

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diffuse through the membrane under transmembrane pressure. The experiment aimed to
study the characteristics of four different membranes:
i. Membrane 1: AFC 99 (Polyamide Film)
ii. Membrane 2: AFC 40 (Polyamide Film)
iii. Membrane 3: CA 202 (Cellulose Acetate)
iv. Membrane 4: FP 100 (Polyvinylidene Fluoride)

3.0 Results

Time (Min) Weight of Samples (g)

Membrane 1 Membrane 2 Membrane 3 Membrane 4
1 20.10 40.33 24.13 -
2 35.31 98.71 54.20 -
3 62.24 137.58 95.61 -
4 92.48 186.08 134.17 -
5 118.70 232.47 174.87 -
6 145.39 278.21 212.70 -
7 168.88 327.03 249.67 -
8 193.80 384.76 284.38 -
9 218.92 432.66 321.70 -
10 243.97 482.05 358.66 -
Table 1: Permeate weight readings for 4 different membranes

Membrane 1 Membrane 2 Membrane 3 Membrane 4

Permeate Mass 24.40 48.21 35.87 -
Flux (g/min)
Table 2: Permeate mass flux for 4 different membranes

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4.0 Calculations

Sample Calculation for Permeate Mass Flux:

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5.0 Discussion

The aim of this experiment was to study the characteristics of four different types of
membranes. A solution was created by mixing 20 liters of water with 100 grams of sodium
chloride, and the membranes were employed as filters to separate the sodium chloride from it.
Figure 1 displays a graph showing the relationship between the weight of permeate and time for
each membrane. The smallest amount of permeate is observed in membrane 1, while the largest
amount is found in membrane 2 between the first and tenth minute.

Membrane 1 facilitates reverse osmosis, membrane 2 enables nanofiltration, membrane 3

performs ultrafiltration, and membrane 4 carries out microfiltration. These operations required the
application of pressure, resulting in each membrane having different pressures. The key factors
affecting the separation rate are the permeability of the membrane, the procedure for the solution,
and the membrane material used.

The graph illustrates the correlation between the weight of permeate and time. It's clear
that all membranes are capable of extracting sodium chloride from their respective solutions,
leading to distinct permeate weights for each membrane, heavily influenced by pressure.

According to the graph, membrane 1's weight of permeate starts increasing at the 2-minute
mark and continues to rise steadily until the 10th minute, despite starting from a lower permeate
weight of 243.97 grams. This indicates the presence of the reverse osmosis mechanism in
membrane 1, likely due to its lower weight and extremely low porosity, which requires substantial
pressure for reverse osmosis to work.

In contrast, membrane 2, weighing 482.05 grams, exhibits the highest permeate weight.
The majority of the permeate consists of water molecules, which easily pass through the
membrane. Nanofiltration, employed by this membrane, allows only particles in the 1 -2 μm size
range to pass through, resulting in the effective separation of sodium chloride into a purer
permeate.

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Additionally, as observed in the graph, membrane 3 shows a progressively increasing

permeate weight over time compared to membrane 1. This membrane is designed for
ultrafiltration, explaining its higher permeability than membrane 1 due to its smaller pores.
Membrane 4, for microfiltration, is not included in Table 1 since the lab's digital weighing balance
had a limit of 2000 grams.

6.0 Conclusion

The conclusion effectively identifies the characteristics of the different membrane types.
The graph shows the relationship between time and the weight of permeate for each membrane.
Membrane 2 demonstrates the highest separation rate, followed by membrane 3 and then
membrane 1.

Membrane 2 employs nanofiltration, allowing 1-2 μm particles to pass through quickly,

which sets it apart from the other membranes. On the other hand, membrane 1, using reverse
osmosis, has the slowest separation rate and is less permeable, as it can only separate particles
smaller than 5 nanometers. In sequential order, membranes 1, 2, 3, and 4 undergo reverse osmosis,
nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, and microfiltration processes, with the driving factor being the
pressure gradient. It can be concluded that membranes with smaller pore sizes produce purer
permeate from the solution. With the successful identification of the membranes, this experiment
is considered a success.

7.0 Recommendation

To improve the experiment's results, consider the following recommendations. First, make
sure to reset the weighing balance when changing the sample collection to prevent calculation
errors. Also, when recording scale readings, stay attentive and aim to minimize human errors by
positioning your eyes at a 90-degree angle. Understanding the weighing balance's significant
figures is critical for data reliability. Taking readings at least three times for each trial to calculate
an accurate average is essential. Prioritize safety by wearing the required personal protective
equipment (PPE) and thoroughly understanding the experiment's procedure as outlined in the lab

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manual to ensure a successful experiment.

8.0 References

Adeniyi, A., Mbaya, richard, Onyango, M., & Brooms, T. J. (2017, September 18). Membrane
selection for organic contaminants removal from hartbeespoort Dam water in South Africa.
Retrieved October 31, 2023, from ResearchGate website:
[Link]
ontaminants_removal_from_hartbeespoort_Dam_water_in_South_Africa

Sofia, D., Giuliano, A., Poletto, M., & Barletta, D. (2015). Techno-economic analysis of power
and hydrogen co-production by an IGCC plant with CO2 capture based on membrane
technology. Computer-Aided Chemical Engineering, 1373–1378.
[Link]

Welti‐Chanes, J., F. Vergara-Balderas, & Bermúdez‐Aguirre, D. (2005). Transport phenomena in

food engineering: basic concepts and advances. Journal of Food Engineering, 67(1-2), 113–
128. [Link]

What is nanofiltration? (2009, March 18). Retrieved October 31, 2023, from Filtration and
Separation website: [Link]

Yang, Z., Zhou, Y., Feng, Z., Rui, X., Zhang, T., & Zhang, Z. (2019). A Review on Reverse
Osmosis and Nanofiltration Membranes for Water Purification. Polymers, 11(8), 1252–
1252. [Link]

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9.0 Appendices

Figure 2: Raw data

Figure 3: Side View of Membrane Test Unit Model TR14

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Figure 4: Front View of Membrane Test Unit Model TR14

Figure 5: Side View Membrane Test Unit Model TR14

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