Fiber membranes

In order to maintain a definite contact area, soHd supports for the solvent membrane can be introduced (85). Those typically consist of hydrophobic polymeric films having pore sizes between 0.02 and 1 p.m. Figure 9c illustrates a hoUow fiber membrane where the feed solution flows around the fiber, the solvent—extractant phase is supported on the fiber wall, and the strip solution flows within the fiber. Supported membranes can also be used in conventional extraction where the supported phase is continuously fed and removed. This technique is known as dispersion-free solvent extraction (86,87). The level of research interest in membrane extraction is reflected by the fact that the 1990 International Solvent Extraction Conference (20) featured over 50 papers on this area, mainly as appHed to metals extraction. Pilot-scale studies of treatment of metal waste streams by Hquid membrane extraction have been reported (88). The developments in membrane technology have been reviewed (89). Despite the research interest and potential, membranes have yet to be appHed at an industrial production scale (90). 

HoUow-fiber membranes, therefore, may be divided into two categories (/) open hoUow fibers (Eigs. 2a and 2b) where a gas or Hquid permeates across the fiber waU, while flow of the lumen medium gas or Hquid is not restricted, and (2) loaded fibers (Eig. 2c) where the lumen is flUed with an immobilized soHd, Hquid, or gas. The open hoUow fiber has two basic geometries the first is a loop of fiber or a closed bundle contained ia a pressurized vessel. Gas or Hquid passes through the smaU diameter fiber waU and exits via the open fiber ends. In the second type, fibers are open at both ends. The feed fluid can be circulated on the inside or outside of the relatively large diameter fibers. These so-caUed large capiUary (spaghetti) fibers are used in microfUtration, ultrafUtration (qv), pervaporation, and some low pressure (<1035 kPa = 10 atm) gas appHcations. 

HoUow fibers can be prepared from almost any spiunable material. The fiber can be spun directly as a membrane or as a substrate which is post-treated to achieve desired membrane characteristics. Analogous fibers have been spun in the textile industry and are employed for the production of high bulk, low density fabrics. The technology employed in the fabrication of synthetic fibers appUes also to the spinning of hoUow-fiber membranes from natural and synthetic polymers. 

Fig. 4. Surface of a polysulfone ultrafUtration hoUow-fiber membrane spun with poly-(vinylpyrrohdinone) (3). Surface pore diameter is 0.2—0.4 p.m.

Fig. 5. Cross section of blood-clogged hemofiltration acryUc hoUow-fiber membrane. The spheroids are red blood ceUs. Courtesy of I. Cabasso.

In preparation of permselective hoUow-fiber membranes, morphology must be controUed to obtain desired mechanical and transport properties. Fiber fabrication is performed without a casting surface. Therefore, in the moving, unsupported thread line, the nascent hoUow-fiber membrane must estabUsh mechanical integrity in a very short time. 

The presence of macrovoids in hoUow-fiber membranes is a serious drawback since it increases the fragUity of the fiber and limits its abUity to withstand hydrauhc pressures. Such fibers have lower elongation and tensile strength. 

Fig. 10. Composite hoUow-fiber membranes (a) polysulfone boUow fiber coated witb fiiran resin. A and B denote fiiran resin surface and porous support, respectively (b) cross section of composite boUow fiber (PEI/TDI coated on polysulfone matrix). C, D, and E denote tightly cross-linked surface, "gutter" gel layer, and porous support, respectively. Both fibers were developed for reverse osmosis appHcation (15).

Fig. 12. Schematic of hoUow-fiber membrane cartridge employed for blood dialysis. Courtesy of Cordis-Dow.

Fig. 14. Mass transfer across hemodialysis and hemofiltration hoUow-fiber membranes.

HoUow-Fiber Membranes" in ECT 3rd ed., VoL 12, pp. 492—517, by I. Cabasso, Gulf South Research Institute. 

Because membranes appHcable to diverse separation problems are often made by the same general techniques, classification by end use appHcation or preparation method is difficult. The first part of this section is, therefore, organized by membrane stmcture preparation methods are described for symmetrical membranes, asymmetric membranes, ceramic and metal membranes, and Hquid membranes. The production of hollow-fine fiber membranes and membrane modules is then covered. Symmetrical membranes have a uniform stmcture throughout such membranes can be either dense films or microporous. 

---