Mass Transfer Models in Membrane Processes

Manfred Raff spent his professional life focusing on membrane technology. He started his career with a project at Stuttgart University working on improving dialysis monitors. His PhD-thesis dealt with the video screening of electropherograms of proteins in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, using different electrophoretic separation techniques with different kinds of membranes. His industrial experience began with the development and production of plasmafilters and continued with improving membranes and modules for hemodialysis and oxygenation. After 10 years in industry he received an appointment as a professor at Furtwangen University, teaching courses specializing on thermal and mechanical process engineering and on membrane technology. During his research career -and always in collaboration with industry- Prof Raff investigated multiple topics focusing on measuring the pore size distributions of ultrafiltration membranes, studies of mass transfer in highflux-hemodialysis, artificial liver, blood oxygenation and plasmapheresis. After retiring, he continued working as a guest lecturer for Artificial Organs at different universities.

• Introduction.- Membranes and modules.- Mass transfer models across membranes.- Membrane processes in artificial organs.- Conclusion.