Exploring Membrane Distillation technology for water treatment in rural areas using modified membranes

Water is an essential commodity for survival of life on earth. The scarcity of potable water is increasing universally and that too is severe in rural and remote areas as they lack suitable treatment facilities/technology. Treatment of polluted water and desalination are the most promising options to meet the fresh water demand. Out of various treatment methods, Membrane Distillation is a viable technology that can produce fresh water from saline/impure water easily and economically. The proposed project focus on exploring membrane distillation technology to enhance the production rate at lower cost, hence making it suitable for remote areas. This study include fabrication of modified high performance membranes, their characterization and integration into lab scale treatment unit. Study will also incorporate optimization of working conditions of process and effect of fouling. The project is an experimental approach towards developing viable and easily deployable water treatment system, useful for rural arid regions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ramin Farnood

Student:

Partner:

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Toronto

Program: