Membrane condenser and membrane dryer

Among the large variety of membrane operations, membrane contactors (MCs) represent relatively new membrane-based devices that are gaining wide consideration. Membrane contactors are systems in which microporous hydrophobic membranes are used not as selective barriers but as a tool for inter phase mass transfer operations. All traditional stripping, scrubbing, absorption and liquid-liquid extraction operations, as well as condensation, dehydration, crystallization and phase transfer catalysis, can be carried out according to this configuration. This chapter addresses the working principles, the fundamental concepts and the transport phenomena through microporous hydrophobic membranes of interest in membrane condenser and membrane dryer operations.