Application of membrane separation processes to the Sri Lankan Industry

Abstract

Membrane separation is a relatively new technology applicable for a range of separations. The technique is attractive due to its ability to produce high quality products, suitability for processing heat sensitive materials and possibility of recovering and recycling of valuables from waste streams. Current applications of membrane separations for liquid systems in the Sri Lankan industry and possibilities for future developments were investigated. The survey shows that only 5% of the industries considered for the survey currently use membrane separations. However, 51% have the possibility of using membrane separations either for water treatment, wastewater treatment or for separations in the manufacturing processes. Normal Filtration and Ion Exchange are the widely used techniques for water treatment. Reverse Osmosis and/or Ultra Filtration can be used for purification of water for medical and pharmaceutical applications, for preparing drinking water and boiler feed water from high salinity water or seawater. Pulp and paper, Textile and Diary industries have the possibilities of using MS for wastewater treatment and recovery and recycle of valuables. However, novel techniques such as PV can be used for removal of tracers of hazardous components. Further, Pervaporation, Osmotic Distillation etc. can be experimented for the manufacture of new range of products in food and biotechnological fields and for obtaining highly purified products. Despite the relatively high capital and maintenance cost and the problems of concentration polarisation and membrane fouling application of the technique for many Sri Lankan industries will be important in anticipation of future demands of high standards and minimal environmental impact.