Hollow fiber nanofiltration: From lab-scale research to full-scale applications

This review provides a comprehensive overview on the quickly developing field of polymeric hollow fiber (HF) nanofiltration (NF), including membrane (module) and process design, operational parameters, full-scale applications. Six different methods are currently used to produce HF NF membranes: phase inversion, interfacial polymerization, grafting, coating, polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEM) chemistry in spinneret. While all have their strengths weaknesses, several PEM based membranes stand out because high chemical stability. combination geometry stability can make sustainable alternative spiral wound NF. is especially case for applications with fouling load where, contrast NF, typically does not require an intensive pre-treatment. In academic settings, experiments done small modules single-component feeds. Several studies showed that it important, but always straightforward, correlate these lab scale results full performance. Indeed, design parameters such as crossflow velocity staging partly determine energy consumption retention need be taken into account. Partly insights developments, last five years commercial rapidly become available. At least 59 pilot-scale 26 plants operation or under construction, mostly focusing water treatment. A comparison between shows applied broad range excellent scalability, highlighting growth potential coming years.