Mass and heat transfer relations in evaporation through porous membranes

Abstract This study concerns rates of evaporation and mass transfer of water vapor from a heated salt solution through a water repellent porous membrane to a cooled water condensate. This transfer is a result of temperature differences and corresponding vapor pressure differences across the membrane. Three groups of experiments were carried out which indicate that the major factor influencing the rates of transfer is diffusion through a stagnant gas in the membrane pores. However, an equation considering film heat transfer coefficients, membrane thermal conductivity, and an empiricial correction based on temperature driving force appears to be necessary for representing all the data. The empirical correction appears to be related to internal condensation and possibly diffusion along surfaces.