High-pressure, countercurrent, reverse osmosis membrane testing equipment

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Membrane separation, and in particular reverse osmosis, represents a low-energy alternative to distillation processes for separating chemical systems. Widespread application of reverse osmosis for chemical fractionation has not materialized because of degradation of conventional polymeric membranes by organic chemicals, and because of extreme osmotic back pressures across the membrane. The first problem can be overcome by using inorganic alumina membranes synthesized by a combination of anodic aluminum oxidation followed by atomic layer deposition to provide uniform, nanometre sized pores in addition to providing excellent stability against organic chemicals. In order to overcome the osmotic pressure limitations that develop during reverse osmosis, a countercurrent flow of a portion of the high concentration retentate (e.g. reflux) or an independent extractant (a process referred to as perstraction) will be used.