Abstract: Hollow fibre membrane modules (1) with a shell-side configuration often comprise a hollow fibre bundle (2) and a perforated hollow internal core (4) inside the bundle. A plug (5) in the core and a baffle (15) in the bundle are typically employed in order to desirably distribute supplied fluid over the bundle for separation purposes. The fluid flow distribution can be improved by incorporating suitable flow distributors (20, 21) within the internal core itself. Such modules are particularly useful for osmotic membrane distillation.

Abstract: Nanofiltration membranes have been identified that can unexpectedly provide for competitive removal of silica and sulfate from brine in alkaline conditions. Such membranes are known as monolithic nanofiltration membranes and are particularly suitable for removing silica and sulfate impurities from a brine stream in a brine electrolysis plant.

Abstract: Chlorine is produced by electrolysis of aqueous HCl, in a membrane electrolyzer, using cathodic mediators such as Fe(III) and/or Cu(II) chlorides and a non-catalysed 3-dimensional cathode, with the real surface area at least ten times higher than its projected area. The HCl electrolysis section is combined with an oxidizer for regeneration of the mediator, product water removal step and optional HCl recovery step. Under optimized conditions chlorine can be produced at very high current densities of 30 kA/m2, without initiating undesired H2 evolution reaction at the cathode.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the concentration of a first inorganic compound in a first aqueous solution of a first process of a heavy chemical plant, the method comprising (a) feeding the first solution having the first compound at a first concentration and a first water vapor pressure to an osmotic membrane distillation means comprising a hydrophobic, gas and water vapor permeable membrane separating (i) a first chamber for receiving the first solution, from (ii) a second chamber for receiving a receiver feed aqueous solution having a second water vapor pressure lower than the first water vapor pressure; (b) feeding the receiver aqueous feed solution to the second chamber as to effect transfer of water vapor through the membrane from the first chamber to the second chamber, and to produce (i) a resultant first solution having a second concentration of the first compound greater than the first concentration and (ii) a diluted receiver feed aqueous solution; and (c) collecting the resultant first solution.

Abstract: Chlorine is produced by electrolysis of aqueous HCl, in a membrane electrolyzer, using cathodic mediators such as Fe(III) and/or Cu(II) chlorides and a non-catalysed 3-dimensional cathode, with the real surface area at least ten times higher than its projected area. The HCl electrolysis section is combined with an oxidiser for regeneration of the mediator, product water removal step and optional HCl recovery step. Under optimised conditions chlorine can be produced at very high current densities of 30 kA/m2, without initiating undesired H2 evolution reaction at the cathode.