Abstract

Ceramic membranes are widely used for separations. They can be configured as flat discs, finite tubes or hollow fibres. Hollow fibres present some advantages such as the higher ratio between membrane and system areas. Moreover, the asymmetric structure, presenting regions of different pore sizes, should be carefully prepared in order to achieve greater permeabilities. Here we analyze the permeability and the morphology of asymmetric alumina hollow fibres which were prepared at different conditions. The hollow fibres were fabricated using the phase inversion/sintering method. Different internal coagulants and sintering temperatures were applied. The hollow fibres were characterised by scanning electronic microscopy, water and nitrogen permeations and mechanical strength. The obtained results showed that more fingers are obtained when solvent mixed with water is used as internal coagulant, instead of pure water. As consequence, these membranes presented greater permeabilities. The permeability also increased with the decrease in the sintering temperature. However, the decrease in the sintering temperature decreased the mechanical strength of the fibre. In conclusion, more permeable asymmetric hollow fibres were obtained using solvent as internal coagulant and applying lower sintering temperatures.

Highlights

  • The separation membrane processes have been used in different segments such as chemical industry, medical area, biotechnology, food and pharmaceutical industry, and for water treatment (Habert et al, 2006)

  • Ceramic membranes can be used in many applications including filtration for corrosive fluids and solid oxide fuel cells due to their ability to operate at high temperatures and pressures, and in corrosive environments (Kingsbury and Li, 2009)

  • Related to the densification of the sponge like layer, the decrease in the sintering temperature decreased the mechanical strength of the hollow fibre

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Summary

Introduction

The separation membrane processes have been used in different segments such as chemical industry, medical area, biotechnology, food and pharmaceutical industry, and for water treatment (Habert et al, 2006). Regarding to the material applied for membrane synthesis, the most common ones are polymeric and ceramic. Ceramic membranes can be used in many applications including filtration for corrosive fluids and solid oxide fuel cells due to their ability to operate at high temperatures and pressures, and in corrosive environments (Kingsbury and Li, 2009). The use of ceramic hollow fibres, instead of finite tubes, allows a higher ratio between the surface area and volume of the membrane system. Pan et al (2003) managed to fabricate and employ Al2O3 hollow fibre with much higher packing density (as high as 1000m2/m3) The use of ceramic hollow fibres, instead of finite tubes, allows a higher ratio between the surface area and volume of the membrane system. Pan et al (2003) managed to fabricate and employ Al2O3 hollow fibre with much higher packing density (as high as 1000m2/m3)

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