A bench scale study of removal of cyclohexane and naphtha components from water by membrane air-stripping process

Removal of hazardous chemicals such as cyclohexane and naphtha components from water with air-stripping (MAS) technique using a polypropylene microporous hollow fiber module is reported. The mass transfer of these organics through the membrane from the water on the feed side to the air stream on the permeate side was evaluated under different experimental conditions in a batch system. Removal of cyclohexane as well as naphtha components by MAS process for the investigated experimental conditions appears to be promising. It was observed in separate experiments that the concentrations of cyclohexane and naphtha components in water were significantly reduced by the MAS process.

► Removal of naphtha components from water using membrane air stripping (MAS) is reported for the first time.
► Concentrations of cyclohexane and naphtha components in water were significantly reduced by the MAS process.
► A lower than expected mass transfer coefficient was observed due to adsorption.