Abstract
The concept of concentration polarization is explained, and the degree of polarization induced by factors such as membrane permeability, membrane selectivity, mass transfer coefficient, fluid concentration, and partial pressure difference is investigated by calculation. The results are illustrated so that the reader can estimate the degree of concentration polarization in the membrane under consideration. The experimental determination of the mass transfer coefficients required for the calculation is explained. The reader is also introduced to several previous correlation equations for mass transfer coefficients. Using data from real membranes available in the literature, the possibility of concentration polarization in these membranes is predicted. Problems in the conventional treatment of mass transfer coefficients are also discussed.
