Separations of liquids and gases are commonly accomplished using membrane
separation methods which include dialysis, reverse osmosis, and ultrafiltration
Hybrid and more exotic membrane methods that have also proven effective are
electrodialysis, helium separation through glass, hydrogen separation through
Palladium and alloy membranes, immobilized solvent and liquid-surfactant membranes.
Permeation of liquids and gases through polymeric membranes occurs where a constituent passes through the membrane by diffusion and sorption by the fluid on the other side of the membrane. The driving force is achieve either by pressure or concentration difference across the membrane.
In general, membrane separation techniques are especially useful in separating:
