Transport phenomena in gas membrane separations

Membrane separation technology is used in a wide range of gas-separation applications and is now regarded as a cutting-edge separation technology for industrial applications. Membranes have the highest potential for gas separation. In the gas processing sector, a high degree of permeability combined with high selectivity of a particular gaseous species ensures outstanding performance when interacting with a membrane. The cost-effectiveness of membrane separation technology is considerable; therefore for more extensive membrane applications, it is critical to understand transport processes in gas membrane separations and the causes of flux decline and the capacity to anticipate flux performance. This chapter deals with mass transportation in the membrane process of gas separation. In addition, findings from many investigations carried out by a number of scholars were reviewed and discussed to study diversified facets of these complex occurrences. Investigations of diffusion pathways in the membrane pore and assessment of transport resistances caused by membrane fouling will comprehensively explain the fouling phenomena and applicable mass transfer mechanisms.