| [ Summary ] |
Because hemodialysis therapy based on molecular diffusion and ultrafiltration has been fully developed, a new innovative technology is required to make further improvements in dialysis patient's condition. Membrane distillation (MD), one membrane process, is based on vapor transport through hydrophobic membranes due to a vapor pressure difference induced by temperatures on both sides of the membrane. We examined water transport characteristics during an in vitro study using RO water and a test for MD modules composed of polypropylene hollow fibers. As a result, the amount of water transport through the membrane increased with the temperature difference and flow rate on the blood side. Optimum designs for the MD module and adequate operating conditions for each patient should be examined in the future. |