Course content

The topic is lectured by agreement every year in the spring semester, next time Spring 2025. The goal for the course is to give a comprehensive understanding of membrane technology with reference to the transport mechanisms through different membranes, thus the differences in separation properties of the membrane materials will be explained, and give the basis for a good choice when membrane separation processes are considered. Topics in the course are: - Transport through polymers, inorganic (carbon, glass, ceramics, metal) and hybrid (mixed matrix) membranes; - The influence of sorption, diffusion, adsorption, pore size and pore size distribution to the membrane separation. - Separation in various systems at varying conditions. - The importance of the materials chemical structure, the physical properties of the gases and liquids, interaction between gases/liquids and membrane material, and possible degradation. - Examples of environmental friendly membrane processes. - Analysis of transport and fouling mechanisms in membranes and membrane modules. - Design and operation of membrane separation plants. - Depending on the students' research tasks the emphasis may be varied on gas and liquid systems. The course may, in agreement with the candidates be supplied with other membrane topics.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The student should have basic competence within separation processes and membrane technology. Skills: The student should be able to evaluate which membrane materials and morphologies are most suitable for a membrane separation/purification system. He/she should also be able to design a suitable membrane separation process for a given separation system. General competence: The student should have knowledge about all types of membrane separation processes which are suitable for various gas or liquid separations, and be familiar with the principles of how the membranes are prepared (ceramics, polymers, hybrids) and of the up-scaling of the membrane modules and processes.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, colloquies, self-studies and individual report/article (will count 1/3 of mark). Students who already have completed the basic course in membrane technology (TKP8) in their master studies, will have to write a comprehensive report counting for 2/3 of mark.

The course is taught every 2 years in the spring semester

Compulsory assignments

• Report

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic knowledge within membrane technology is an advantage. If possible, it is recommended to follow the basic course in membrane technology offered 9th semester in the MSc-program at Department of Chemical Engineering. A brief introductory course in selected topics will be offered students lacking this background.

Course materials

Literatures, to be announced at the start of the course

Credit reductions