Hollow Fiber Membranes and Their Applications

A special issue of Membranes (ISSN 2077-0375). This special issue belongs to the section "Membrane Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2022) | Viewed by 26165

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Guest Editor
Center for Membrane and Film Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
Interests: water treatment; polymeric membranes preparation and application; microfiltration; ultrafiltration; nanofiltration; hollow fibre membrane fabrication and its applications; membrane science and engineering; anti-fouling membrane preparation, polymeric membrane fouling mechanism

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Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 91779-48974, Iran
Interests: polymeric membranes; hollow fiber membrane

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Membrane technology has received intense attention due to its noticeable advantages for dealing with the most challenging human issues, such as water shortage and global warming. Among all membrane geometries, hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) come with several merits in comparison to typical flat sheet membranes. HFMs are prepared mainly by phase inversion methods, including non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) and thermally induced phase separation (TIPS). Although HFM preparation is not new technology and many researchers all over the world have completed a wide range of investigations during the last couple of years, this technology is still progressing quickly by the improvement of membrane performance for different applications.

HFMs have been used for a variety of applications, including water and wastewater treatment, fluid contacting process for environmental pollutants removal, membrane distillation (MD) for potable water preparation, membrane reactors, pervaporation membranes for solvent separation, as support for composite membrane preparation, etc.

Dr. Saeid Rajabzadeh
Dr. Hamed Karkhanechi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Hollow Fiber Membrane (HFM) Preparation
  • Phase Separation Mechanism and Kinetics during HFM Preparation
  • HFMs for Different Applications
  • HFM Structure Control
  • HFM Modification

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 4638 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Flow-Induced Vibration on Heat and Mass Transfer Performance of Hollow Fiber Membranes in the Humidification/Dehumidification Process
by Zhenxing Li, Bo Chen, Caihang Liang, Nanfeng Li, Yunyun Zhao and Chuanshuai Dong
Membranes 2021, 11(12), 918; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11120918 - 24 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1642
Abstract
Cross-flow hollow fiber membranes are commonly applied in humidification/dehumidification. Hollow fiber membranes vibrate and deform under the impinging force of incoming air and the gravity of liquid in the inner tube. In this study, fiber deformation was caused by the pulsating flow of [...] Read more.
Cross-flow hollow fiber membranes are commonly applied in humidification/dehumidification. Hollow fiber membranes vibrate and deform under the impinging force of incoming air and the gravity of liquid in the inner tube. In this study, fiber deformation was caused by the pulsating flow of air. With varied pulsating amplitudes and frequencies, single-fiber deformation was investigated numerically using the fluid–structure interaction technique and verified with experimental data testing with a laser vibrometer. Then, the effect of pulsating amplitude and frequency on heat and mass transfer performance of the hollow fiber membrane was analyzed. The maximum fiber deformation along the airflow direction was far larger than that perpendicular to the flow direction. Compared with the case where the fiber did not vibrate, increasing the pulsation amplitude could strengthen Nu by 14–87%. Flow-induced fiber vibration could raise the heat transfer enhancement index from 13.8% to 80%. The pulsating frequency could also enhance the heat transfer of hollow fiber membranes due to the continuously weakened thermal boundary layer. With the increase in pulsating amplitude or frequency, the Sh number or Em under vibrating conditions can reach about twice its value under non-vibrating conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hollow Fiber Membranes and Their Applications)
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17 pages, 4527 KiB  
Article
A Novel Green Diluent for the Preparation of Poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) Membranes via a Thermally-Induced Phase Separation Method
by Yuanhui Tang, Mufei Li, Yakai Lin, Lin Wang, Fangyu Wu and Xiaolin Wang
Membranes 2021, 11(8), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11080622 - 13 Aug 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3164
Abstract
The use of green solvents satisfies safer chemical engineering practices and environmental security. Herein, myristic acid (MA)—a green diluent—was selected to prepare poly- (4-methyl-1-pentene) (PMP) membranes with bicontinuous porous structure via a thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) process to maintain a high gas [...] Read more.
The use of green solvents satisfies safer chemical engineering practices and environmental security. Herein, myristic acid (MA)—a green diluent—was selected to prepare poly- (4-methyl-1-pentene) (PMP) membranes with bicontinuous porous structure via a thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) process to maintain a high gas permeability. Firstly, based on the Hansen solubility parameter ‘distance’, Ra, the effect of four natural fatty acids on the PMP membrane structure was compared and studied to determine the optimal green diluent, MA. The thermodynamic phase diagram of the PMP-MA system was calculated and presented to show that a liquid-liquid phase separation region could be found during the TIPS process and the monotectic point was around 34.89 wt%. Then, the effect of the PMP concentration on the morphologies and crystallization behavior was systematically investigated to determine a proper PMP concentration for the membrane preparation. Finally, PMP hollow fiber (HF) membranes were fabricated with a PMP concentration of 30 wt% for the membrane performance characterization. The resultant PMP HF membranes possessed good performances that the porosity was 70%, the tensile strength was 96 cN, and the nitrogen flux was 8.20 ± 0.10 mL·(bar·cm2·min)−1. We believe that this work can be a beneficial reference for people interested in the preparation of PMP membranes for medical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hollow Fiber Membranes and Their Applications)
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15 pages, 2943 KiB  
Article
An Assessment on Average Pressure Drop and Dust-Holding Capacity of Hollow-Fiber Membranes in Air Filtration
by Pavel Bulejko, Ondřej Krištof and Miroslav Dohnal
Membranes 2021, 11(7), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11070467 - 24 Jun 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2857
Abstract
In this work, we tried to analyze dust loading behavior of polypropylene hollow fiber membranes using average pressure drop models. Hollow fiber membranes varying in fiber diameter were loaded with a standardized test dust to simulate particle-polluted air. We measured pressure drop development [...] Read more.
In this work, we tried to analyze dust loading behavior of polypropylene hollow fiber membranes using average pressure drop models. Hollow fiber membranes varying in fiber diameter were loaded with a standardized test dust to simulate particle-polluted air. We measured pressure drop development of the membranes at different flowrates and dust concentrations, and, after each experiment, the dust deposited on the membrane fibers was weighed to obtain dust holding capacity (DHC). The obtained experimental data was analyzed using various average pressure drop models and compared with average pressure drop obtained from pressure drop/dust load dependence using a curve fit. Exponential and polynomial fitting was used and compared. Pressure drop in relation to the dust load followed different trends depending on the experimental conditions and inner fiber diameter. At higher flowrate, the dependence was polynomial no matter what the fiber diameter. However, with higher fiber diameter at lower permeate velocities, the dependence was close to exponential curve and followed similar trends as observed in planar filter media. Dust-holding capacity of the membranes depended on the experimental conditions and was up to 21.4 g. However, higher dust holding capacity was impossible to reach no matter the experiment duration due to self-cleaning ability of the tested membranes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hollow Fiber Membranes and Their Applications)
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17 pages, 2605 KiB  
Article
Laboratory Efficacy of Locally Available Backwashing Methods at Removing Fouling in Hollow-Fiber Membrane Filters Used for Household Water Treatment
by Camille Heylen, Alice Oliveira Aguiar, Gabrielle String, Marta Domini, Nathaniel Goff, Anna Murray, Ayse Asatekin and Daniele Lantagne
Membranes 2021, 11(5), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11050375 - 20 May 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2640
Abstract
Hollow-fiber membrane filters (HFMFs) for household water treatment (HWT) can efficaciously remove disease-causing organisms in laboratory settings. However, lower effectiveness in use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and humanitarian contexts (HCs) has been observed and attributed to membrane fouling and the associated [...] Read more.
Hollow-fiber membrane filters (HFMFs) for household water treatment (HWT) can efficaciously remove disease-causing organisms in laboratory settings. However, lower effectiveness in use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and humanitarian contexts (HCs) has been observed and attributed to membrane fouling and the associated cleaning. In LMICs/HCs, it is not possible to prevent and control fouling using commonly known methods (e.g., testing influent water, maintenance regimes), and the literature on fouling/cleaning of HFMFs distributed in LMICs is scarce. As such, controlled laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of locally available (in LMICs/HCs) backwashing solutions at removing fouling using different influent waters and HFMF types. Four commonly distributed HFMFs were selected; fouling layers were developed by filtering three influent water compositions, representing LMIC/HC waters, for 10-days, and bleach, water, or vinegar backwashing solutions were used for daily backwashing. Filter performance indicators included: fiber mechanical properties (strain at break, break force), water quantity performance (flow), water quality performance (turbidity, E. coli), and imaging. The study found fouling developed rapidly and altered mechanical properties and water quantity indicators within 200 h of filtration. Fouling did not decrease water quality indicators. Backwashing improved the filter’s mechanical properties and water quantity performance, but it did not fully recover the initial performance. Additionally, recovery differed between backwashing solutions, and no universal cleaning recommendation appropriate for HFMFs in LMICs/HCs was identified. Overall, fouling development and control depended on HFMF type, influent water quality, and backwashing solution type; thus, caution before distributing HFMFs for long-term use in LMICs/HCs is recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hollow Fiber Membranes and Their Applications)
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Review

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29 pages, 4489 KiB  
Review
Effective Parameters on Fabrication and Modification of Braid Hollow Fiber Membranes: A Review
by Azadeh Nazif, Hamed Karkhanechi, Ehsan Saljoughi, Seyed Mahmoud Mousavi and Hideto Matsuyama
Membranes 2021, 11(11), 884; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11110884 - 17 Nov 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2776
Abstract
Hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) possess desired properties such as high surface area, desirable filtration efficiency, high packing density relative to other configurations. Nevertheless, they are often possible to break or damage during the high-pressure cleaning and aeration process. Recently, using the braid reinforcing [...] Read more.
Hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) possess desired properties such as high surface area, desirable filtration efficiency, high packing density relative to other configurations. Nevertheless, they are often possible to break or damage during the high-pressure cleaning and aeration process. Recently, using the braid reinforcing as support is recommended to improve the mechanical strength of HFMs. The braid hollow fiber membrane (BHFM) is capable apply under higher pressure conditions. This review investigates the fabrication parameters and the methods for the improvement of BHFM performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hollow Fiber Membranes and Their Applications)
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38 pages, 12139 KiB  
Review
A Review of Commercial Developments and Recent Laboratory Research of Dialyzers and Membranes for Hemodialysis Application
by Noresah Said, Woei Jye Lau, Yeek-Chia Ho, Soo Kun Lim, Muhammad Nidzhom Zainol Abidin and Ahmad Fauzi Ismail
Membranes 2021, 11(10), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11100767 - 07 Oct 2021
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 11107
Abstract
Dialyzers have been commercially used for hemodialysis application since the 1950s, but progress in improving their efficiencies has never stopped over the decades. This article aims to provide an up-to-date review on the commercial developments and recent laboratory research of dialyzers for hemodialysis [...] Read more.
Dialyzers have been commercially used for hemodialysis application since the 1950s, but progress in improving their efficiencies has never stopped over the decades. This article aims to provide an up-to-date review on the commercial developments and recent laboratory research of dialyzers for hemodialysis application and to discuss the technical aspects of dialyzer development, including hollow fiber membrane materials, dialyzer design, sterilization processes and flow simulation. The technical challenges of dialyzers are also highlighted in this review, which discusses the research areas that need to be prioritized to further improve the properties of dialyzers, such as flux, biocompatibility, flow distribution and urea clearance rate. We hope this review article can provide insights to researchers in developing/designing an ideal dialyzer that can bring the best hemodialysis treatment outcomes to kidney disease patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hollow Fiber Membranes and Their Applications)
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