Membraanierotusmenetelmä

Membraanierotusmenetelmä, also known as membrane separation technology, is a process that uses semi-permeable membranes to separate different components from a liquid or gas mixture. These membranes allow certain molecules or particles to pass through while blocking others, based on their size, charge, or chemical properties. This selective permeability is the core principle behind all membrane separation techniques.

Various types of membrane separation exist, differing in pore size and operating pressure. Microfiltration (MF) removes particles in the micrometer range, while ultrafiltration (UF) separates larger molecules like proteins. Nanofiltration (NF) can remove dissolved salts and smaller organic molecules, and reverse osmosis (RO) is the finest filtration, capable of removing ions and even water molecules from dissolved solutes. Electrodialysis (ED) uses ion-exchange membranes and an electric field to separate ions from a solution.

These methods find wide applications across numerous industries. In water treatment, they are crucial for desalination, purification of drinking water, and wastewater treatment. The food and beverage industry utilizes them for concentrating juices, clarifying wine, and producing dairy products. The pharmaceutical sector employs membrane filtration for sterilizing drugs and purifying proteins. Furthermore, gas separation, such as oxygen enrichment or nitrogen production, also relies on membrane technology. The environmental benefits include reduced energy consumption and minimal waste generation compared to traditional separation methods.