Membrane degassing equipment

    

By the application of membrane contactor technique dissolved gases (CO2, O2) can be removed from aqueous solutions, or gases can be adsorbed in liquids. Membrane contactors are devices with hydrophobic, microporous capillary membranes that allow gaseous and liquid phases to come in contact for mass transfer without phase dispersion. Due to the construction water will not pass through membrane which is acting as a support between phases.

Fields of application

1. Oxygen removal

  • boiler feed water ---> lifespan and efficiency extension
  • process water in microelectronics --> improvement of cost efficiency
  • alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages: --> uniform quality, longer shelf-life

 

2. Carbon dioxide removal

  • EDI/CDI feed water --> better output quality
  • ion exchanger feed water --> longer cycles, reduced chemical usage

 

3. Carbon dioxide adsorption

  • beverages, mineral water --> reduction of microbial activities, elevation of sensory values

 

4. Nitrogen adsorption

  • beers --> better foam characteristic

 

5. Corrosion protection

  • degassing without chemicals

 

6. Ammonia removal from waste water

 

7. Others

  • liquid-liquid extraction, concentration of fruit juice

Operation theory

According to Henry’s law the amount of gas that dissolves into water at equilibrium is proportional to its partial pressure in the vapor phase which is in contact with water phase. If the partial pressure of the gas which is in contact with water is reduced the concentration of the same gas dissolved in the water is also reduced. Methods to reduce partial pressure of a certain gas:

  • reduction of total pressure with application of vacuum
  • reduction of partial pressure of a given gas: sweep gas introduction, sweep gas does not contain the gas to be removed (e. g. nitrogen as sweep gas for oxygen removal)