Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane for the separation of material mixtures by the principle of vapor permeation or pervaporation, in particular for the dewatering of organic solvents, comprising at least one support layer and at least one material-selective separation layer located thereon, and a method for production of such a membrane. The material-selective separating layer is made from polyvinyl alcohol, containing at least one metallic element and/or a derivative thereof. The method includes the addition of polyvinyl alcohol to a solvent, adding an organometallic compound to the solvent/polyvinyl alcohol mixture, and then applying the solvent/polyvinyl alcohol/organometallic compound mixture to the support layer as the material-selective separating layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane for the separation of material mixtures by the principle of vapor permeation or pervaporation, in particular for the dewatering of organic solvents, comprising at least one support layer and at least one material-selective separation layer located thereon, and a method for production of such a membrane. The material-selective separating layer is made from polyvinyl alcohol, containing at least one metallic element and/or a derivative thereof. The method includes the addition of polyvinyl alcohol to a solvent, adding an organometallic compound to the solvent/polyvinyl alcohol mixture, and then applying the solvent/polyvinyl alcohol/organometallic compound mixture to the support layer as the material-selective separating layer.

Abstract: A method of separating and recovering components of a mixture having a gap in the range of miscibility and having organic compounds and water in a pervaporization process with the aid of membranes. The mixture is first separated into an organically loaded water phase and a water-saturated organic phase. Subsequently, the organically loaded water phase and the water-saturated organic phase are separately subjected to parallel, different pervaporization processes, resulting in retentates as water on the one hand and organic liquid on the other hand. The permeates that result during the pervaporization processes are subsequently returned to the mixture that is to be separated.

Abstract: A method of separating and recovering components of a mixture having a gap in the range of miscibility and including organic compounds and water in a pervaporization process with the aid of membranes. The mixture is first separated into an organically loaded water phase and a water-saturated organic phase. Subsequently, the organically loaded water phase and the water-saturated organic phase are separately subjected to parallel, different pervaporization processes, resulting in retentates as water on the one hand and organic liquid on the other hand. The permeates that result during the pervaporization processes are subsequently returned to the mixture that is to be separated.

Abstract: A pervaporation process for separating at least one component from a mixture of liquids, for example for separating ethanol from a fermentation mass, by a series of three separation steps: separating the mixture by a first pervaporation to form a first permeate vapor enriched in the component to be separated; fractionating the first permeate vapor, for example by temperature condensation, to form a high concentration fraction twice enriched in the component to be separated; and either distilling the high concentration fraction or a second pervaporation to form a distillate or retentate liquid thrice enriched in the component to be separated.

Abstract: An apparatus for desalination and purification of water by reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration. Such apparatus require seals at the individual modular elements between the untreated water passages and the permeate-withdrawal passages. These seals comprise two sealing rings which are essentially U-shaped, are of similar but inverted shape, and are made of synthetic material having a limited flexibility. Pairs of the sealing rings sealingly abut one another in the central plane of the modular guide plate via respective ones of their arms which extend essentially radially. The second, outward disposed arms sealingly contact an adjacent diaphragm. Disposed on the outer surface of the portion which connects the arms are channels for the withdrawal of the permeate.

Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of solutions by pervaporation includes a raw solution chamber through which a raw solution is conducted from which a part is to be separated, a permeation chamber disposed adjacent the raw solution chamber but separated therefrom by a membrane which permits evaporation therethrough of part of the solution into the permeation chamber from which the vapors are removed, a heating structure arranged adjacent the raw solution chamber in direct contact with the raw solution therein for replenishing to the solution the heat consumed by pervaporation of part of the solution through the membrane.

Abstract: A semi-permeable asymmetrical membrane, useful for water desalting by reve osmosis and comprising cellulose acetate polymer, is formed from a casting solution in which there is incorporated, as a swelling medium, organophilic bentonite, that is, bentonite (preferably Montmorillonite) which has been directly reacted with di-methyl-di-stearyl (quaternary) ammonium chloride to have had its exchangeable cations replaced by long-chain hydrocarbons. The bentonite is swelled in dioxane, and the solution also includes acetone, equal parts of cellulose diacetate and cellulose triacetate, acetic acid and methanol. The steps of casting, cold water immersion and annealing are generally conventional. Incorporation of the bentonite results in high salt restraining capacity along with high product water flow and good flow stability.

Abstract: An apparatus for the desalination and purification of water by reverse osis and ultrafiltration. The apparatus includes dish-like carrier plates and water guide plates held between two end plates and alternately stacked one above the other. The apparatus also includes annular diaphragms which lie between respective carrier plates and guide plates and are each backed by a filter layer, so that in use untreated water flows over the diaphragms in the radial direction on the side opposite the filter layer, and permeate or water suitable for industrial use is drawn off at the side backed by the filter layer. The stack of end plates, carrier plates, and guide plates is clamped or held together at the periphery and has a continuous central aperture for the introduction of the untreated water. The carrier plates sealingly engage one another by means of thickened marginal portions lying radially beyond the edges of the guide plates.