MASS-TRANSFER ANALYSIS OF PERVAPORATION THROUGH AN ION-EXCHANGE MEMBRANE

We show that the mass transport through an ion exchange membrane can be predicted provided that an adequate mass transfer model compatible with linear irreversible thermodynamics is used. An experimental example is proposed in order to check the validity of the mass transfer equations through an ion exchange membrane: pervaporation of water from electrolyte solutions containing sodium or potassium chloride through an ion exchange membrane. Fluxes can be predicted with accuracy by either the Stefan-Maxwell or modified Spiegler equation.