Introduction to the fundamentals of the membrane engineering

The chapter gives an overview of the main areas of interest of membrane technology: pressure-driven membrane processes, MCs, MRs, and MBr. It is undisputed that the PI strategy can be well realized when based on the utilization of membrane systems. The integration of various membrane operations can significantly contribute to the improvement of conventional industrial processes. The current dominant position of membrane operations in desalination and the realization of integrated systems in the food industry, as in downstream processes in general, well confirm these potentialities. In addition, since membranes allow either the valorization of industrial wastes or the retention of pollutants, they can be considered key players in the context of the circular economy.