Abstract:
Membrane separation is a relatively new technology applicable for a range of
separations. The technique is attractive due to its ability to produce high quality products,
suitability for processing heat sensitive materials and possibility of recovering and
recycling of valuables from waste streams.
Current applications of membrane separations for liquid systems in the Sri Lankan
industry and possibilities for future developments were investigated. The survey shows
that only 5% of the industries considered for the survey currently use membrane
separations. However, 51% have the possibility of using membrane separations either for
water treatment, wastewater treatment or for separations in the manufacturing processes.
Normal Filtration and Ion Exchange are the widely used techniques for water treatment.
Reverse Osmosis and/or Ultra Filtration can be used for purification of water for medical
and pharmaceutical applications, for preparing drinking water and boiler feed water from
high salinity water or seawater.
Pulp and paper, Textile and Diary industries have the possibilities of using MS for
wastewater treatment and recovery and recycle of valuables. However, novel techniques
such as PV can be used for removal of tracers of hazardous components.
Further, Pervaporation, Osmotic Distillation etc. can be experimented for the
manufacture of new range of products in food and biotechnological fields and for
obtaining highly purified products.
Despite the relatively high capital and maintenance cost and the problems of
concentration polarisation and membrane fouling application of the technique for many
Sri Lankan industries will be important in anticipation of future demands of high
standards and minimal environmental impact.
