The document discusses various membrane separation processes including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis. It provides details on the working principles, pore sizes, and applications of each process. Reverse osmosis involves applying pressure to force solvent molecules like water through a dense membrane while rejecting solutes. It is highly effective for desalination and purification. The document also covers membrane construction, fouling prevention through pre-treatment, RO plant design, and the health benefits of reverse osmosis water treatment.

1. Name : ALI RAZA
Father Name: MUHAMMAD ARSHAD
Roll No: CY-06
Course No: CY-507
Subject: Advanced Chromatographic Techniques
Teacher: Dr. Anjum

2. Membrane Separation Process
• Microfiltration
• Ultrafiltration
• Nano filtration
• Reverse Osmosis

3. Membrane:
 Definition:
 A selective barrier, often made of materials like
polymers or ceramics, allowing certain substances to
pass through while blocking others.

4.  Separation Occur:
 Mechanism: The separation occurs based on the
size, shape, charge, or other properties of molecules
or particles.
 Driving Force:
 Pressure: Typically, a driving force, either through
applied pressure or concentration gradients, propels
substances through the membrane.

5. Types of Process
Classification aaccording to pore size,
 Microfiltration
 Ultrafiltration
 Nanofiltration
 Reverse Osmosis

6. Microfiltration
 Working Principle:
 Uses a porous membrane with larger pore sizes 0.1 to 10 micrometers.
 Filters particles, bacteria, and some larger microorganisms.
 Relies on size exclusion for separation.

7. Microfiltration
 Applications:
 Water treatment for removal of suspended solids.
 Food and beverage processing.
 Pharmaceutical industry for clarification.

8. Ultrafiltration
 Working Principle:
 Utilizes a semi-permeable membrane with smaller pores
than microfiltration.
 Filters smaller particles, colloids, and macromolecules.
 Operates based on size and molecular weight.

9. Ultrafiltration
 Applications:
 Water purification, especially in wastewater treatment.
 Dairy industry for protein concentration.
 Biopharmaceutical processes.

10. Nanofiltration
 Working Principle:
 Employs a membrane with even smaller pores compared to
ultrafiltration.
 Separates ions and small molecules based on size and charge.
 Allows selective retention of certain ions.

11. Nanofiltration
 Applications:
 Water softening and desalination.
 Removal of divalent ions in water treatment.
 Recovery of valuable compounds in the food industry.

12. Reverse Osmosis:
 Working Principle:
 Involves a dense membrane with very small pore sizes (typically less
than 0.0001 micrometers).
 Applies pressure to overcome osmotic pressure, forcing solvent
molecules (usually water) through the membrane while rejecting
solutes.
 Highly effective in desalination and removal of contaminants.

13. Reverse Osmosis membranes
construction
 Most commonly used RO
membranes are typically
composed by a thin film
composite membrane
consisting of three layers:
a polyester support, a
microporous polysulfone
interlayer and an ultra
think polyamide barrier
layer on the top surface.

14. Reverse Osmosis Pre-treatment
Fouling Cause Appropriate Pre-
treatment
Biological fouling Bacteria,
microorganisms, viruses
Chlorination
Particle fouling Sand, clay (turbidity,
suspended solids)
Filtration
Colloidal fouling Organic and inorganic
complexes, colloidal
particles, micro-algae
Coagulation + Filtration
Mineral fouling
Calcium, Magnesium
Barium or
Strontium sulfates and
carbonates
Antiscalant dosing

15. RO Plant

16. Reverse Osmosis:
 Applications:
 Desalination of seawater for drinking water.
 Purification of brackish water.
 Concentration of fruit juices and dairy products in the food industry.

17. Health Benefits
 The removal of contaminants and impurities by RO
contributes to better-tasting and safer drinking water,
potentially reducing health risks associated with
consuming waterborne pollutants.