Membrane Technology Treats 21st Century Contaminants

This article discusses how continuous improvements in membrane technology have resulted in membranes that are cost‐effective to manufacture and operate. Areas of improvement include: fouling resistance; productivity; and, capital and operating costs. The article discusses two categories of membranes, dissolved‐solids‐removal membranes and suspended‐solids‐removal membranes. Within each category, two further classifications of membrane capabilities are outlined: dissolved‐solids‐removal uses reverse osmosis and nanofiltration; and, suspended‐solids‐removal includes ultrafiltration and microfiltration. Four basic configurations of dissolved‐solids‐removal membranes are discussed.