Dialysis in parallel-flow rectangular membrane modules with external reflux for improved performance

The effect of external recycle on the performance of dialysis in countercurrent-flow rectangular membrane modules was investigated both theoretically and experimentally. Theoretical analysis of mass transfer in parallel-flow device with and without recycle is analogous to heat transfer in parallel-flow heat exchangers. Experiments were carried out with the use of a microporous membrane to dialyze urea aqueous solution by pure water. In contrast to a device with recycle, improvement in mass transfer is achievable if parallel-flow dialysis is operated in a device of same size with recycle which provides the increase of fluid velocity, resulting in reduction of mass-transfer resistance, especially for rather low feed volume rate.