Abstract: A membrane for the separation of liquid mixtures by pervaporation has two surfaces, a first one representing a feed side and a second one representing a permeate side. The membrane is comprised of a swellable elastomeric polymer material and a reinforcing support embedded essentially parallel to the membrane surfaces in the polymer material. The reinforcing support is a woven mesh arranged asymmetrically so that the reinforcing support is adjacent to the permeate side.

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: Aqueous phenolic solutions are separated by pervaporation to yield a phenol-depleted retentate and a phenol-enriched permeate. The separation effect is enhanced by phase segregation into two immiscible phases, "phenol in water" (approximately 10% phenol), and "water in phenol" (approximately 70% phenol). Membranes capable of enriching phenols by pervaporation include elastomeric polymers and anion exchange membranes, membrane selection and process design being guided by pervaporation performance and chemical stability towards phenolic solutions. Single- and multiple-stage procresses are disclosed, both for the enrichment of phenols and for purification of water from phenolic contamination.

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: Apparatus for desalinating water by reverse osmosis, having a series of pus discs each covered on both sides by a membrane, and compressed at their edges between respective pairs of a stack of module plates which are identical and which each consist of two mirror image halves, alternate module plates in the stack being rotated through 180.degree.. A zig-zag flow path through the stack is thereby provided with desalinated water passing by reverse osmosis into the porous discs and hence radially outward of the stack for collection.

Abstract: A method of making semi-permeable asymmetric membranes for desalting water in conformity with the method of reverse osmosis from a cellulose acetate casing mixture to which as modifying component there is added ammonia, preferably in gaseous condition, as swelling substance. Preferably a solution of cellulose acetate in acetone is employed into which the gaseous ammonia is introduced up to the desired concentration at room temperature, e. g. of 22.degree. C. Casting of the film followed by a brief evaporation period prior to gelling the film in cold water is done at room temperature.