A comprehensive review of vacuum membrane distillation technique

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) process in regard to its advantages, disadvantages and miscellaneous implementations, particularly in the solar energy field. Based on its advantages, a prominent role of VMD configuration in alleviating and tackling a sharp potable water shortage problem is presented, and multiple applications of a VMD hollow-fiber membrane module are exhibited in detail. The impact of different operating parameters on VMD output is dissected, and the diversified membrane characteristics are pointed out. Eventually, the mechanism model of the VMD heat and mass transfer is demonstrated.