Advanced Membrane Distillation Machine

The PMI Advanced Membrane Machine is designed to measure the rate of water production from saline solutions under a wide range of experimental conditions, including pressure, flow rate, and temperature. The system enables the collection of purified water under flowing liquid, flowing gas, or vacuum conditions.

In this process, saline water (feed) flows across one side of a hydrophobic membrane, while salt-free water (permeate) flows along the opposite side. The operating pressure is maintained below the membrane's breakthrough pressure, preventing liquid water from penetrating the membrane pores.

The permeate side is maintained at a lower temperature than the feed side, creating a vapor pressure gradient across the membrane. Since the vapor pressure of the heated saline water is higher than that of the cooler permeate side, water evaporates from the feed, diffuses through the membrane pores as vapor, and condenses on the permeate side. The condensed water is then carried away by the flowing permeate stream.

Alternatively, instead of salt-free water, a dry gas stream (low humidity) may be used on the permeate side to carry away the transported water vapor. In another mode of operation, a vacuum can be applied on the permeate side, allowing water vapor to be drawn into a vacuum chamber, where it can be collected after condensation.