2.2. Air Gap Membrane Distillation (AGMD)
The schematic of the Air Gap Membrane Distillation (AGMD)
The feed solution is in direct contact with the hot side
of the membrane surface only. Stagnant air is introduced between the
membrane and the condensation surface. The vapour crosses the air
gap to condense over the cold surface inside the membrane cell. The
benefit of this design is the reduced heat lost by conduction. However,
additional resistance to mass transfer is created, which is considered a
disadvantage. This configuration is suitable for desalination and
removing volatile compounds from aqueous solutions .