Bicomponent Hollow Fibers for Pervaporation

Fiber and textile scientists have made great strides in the formation of single and multihole hollow fibers which are of significant practical value to separation science. Pervaporation through bicomponent/composite hollow fibers represents a major potential for the separation of organic and aqueous-organic mixtures. By appropriate selection of the exposed membrane, high throughputs at high selectivities with good chemical and physical stability may be achieved. The article analyzes the transport of isopentane through a composite of silicone rubber and polysulfone asymmetrical hollow fiber membrane. A one parameter mathematical model of the pervaporation process is developed. The parameter is related to the sorption and transport properties of the penetrant through the membrane layers. Pervaporation parameter is a useful tool for membrane characterization and process design.