Construction and Operating Principle of Membrane Separators
A membrane separator is an advanced device used for the separation, purification, or concentration of mixtures, utilizing special membranes for this purpose. These membranes, being a key component of the separator, are thin, often porous layers of material capable of selectively allowing certain particles or molecules to pass through while blocking others. The operation of a membrane separator is based on the difference in particle size or their solubility, enabling the separation of mixture components based on their size, molecular weight, or other physicochemical properties. For example, in ultrafiltration, the membrane allows small molecules to flow through while retaining larger particles. In reverse osmosis, the membrane is tight enough to only let water molecules pass through, retaining most dissolved salts and other impurities.
In practice, the mixture flows through the membrane, which retains certain components, while others pass through, resulting in the separation of desired components. Membranes used in separators can be made from various materials, including polymers, ceramics, or even metal, depending on the requirements of the application and the characteristics of the substances being separated. Their design and material properties are crucial for the efficiency of separation, operational stability, and resistance to chemical and thermal factors.
Often, a capillary is located between the membrane separator and the measuring element. Its role includes minimizing or eliminating the influence of the process temperature on the operation of the measuring device.