M.N. de Pinho - Böcker

This text presents the lectures which were given during the Comett II Course on Advanced Separation Technology for Industrial Waste Minimization: Environmental and Analytical Aspects. Due to the interest in new environmental solutions, the European Community organises educational and training activities of which the Comett Course is an example. The development of efficient membrane separation techniques has enlarged their field of application in all sectors of industry. Today these membrane technologies are the most advanced and innovative molecular separation units able to contribute to the rationalization of industrial production, minimizing environmental impacts by realizing pollution controlled cycles. Throughout the book, emphasis is given to the potentiality of membrane operations in wastewater management. Real case studies are described as well as practical solutions.The following topics are covered: existing membrane processes and new perspectives; industrial development of membrane modules; applications to the pulp and paper industry, textile industry, metal-finishing, tanneries, agro-food and food industries; biotechnological applications; purification of landfill leachates; and advances in analytical techniques. The book is for engineers, researchers, technical managers and graduate students.

The chapters in this book are based upon lectures given at the NATO Advanced Study Institute on Synthetic Membranes (June 26-July 8, 1983, Alcabideche, Portugal), which provided an integrated presentation of syn­ thetic membrane science and technology in three broad areas. Currently available membrane formation mechanisms are reviewed, as well as the manner in which synthesis conditions can be controlled to achieve desired membrane structures. Membrane performance in a specific separa­ tionprocess involves complex phenomena, the understanding of which re­ quires a multidisciplinary approach encompassing polymer chemistry, phys­ ical chemistry, and chemical engineering. Progress toward a global understanding of membrane phenomena is described in chapters on the principles of membrane transport. The chapters on membrane processes and applications highlight both established and emerging membrane processes, and elucidate their myriad applications. It is our hope that this book will be an enduring, comprehensive compen­ dium of the state of knowledge in the field of synthetic membranes. We have been encouraged in that hope by numerous expressions of interest in the book, coming from a variety of potential users.

This publication presents the lectures given at the course on Advanced Separation Technology for Industrial Waste Minimization: Environmental and Analytical Aspects (13-15 October, 1992, Ispra, Italy) organized jointly by the Technical University of Lisbon, University of Calabria and the Environment Institute of the Joint Research Centre of the Commission of the European Communities at Ispra. This course is integrated in a programme for education and training in Advanced Separation Technology for Industrial Waste Minimization supported by the Community Action Programme for Education and Training for Technology (COMETT II). The lecture material is based on case studies of importance to textile, tanneries, pulp and paper, metal finishing and electroplating, food, and other industries. Environmental regulations have lead industrial engineers to search for more efficient, less energy consuming and less waste producing processes. Membrane-based separation processes contributed to recover water, raw materials and energy and to achieve simultaneously pollution control. Along this book emphasis will be given to this fast growing area of process technology.