Thermodynamic model equations for heterogeneous multicomponent non-ionic solution transport in a multimembrane system.

Non-equilibrium thermodynamic model equations for non-ionic and heterogeneous n-component solution transport in a m-membrane system are presented. This model is based on two equations. The first one describes the volume transport of the solution and the second the transport of the solute. Definitions of the hydraulic permeability, reflection and diffusive permeability coefficients of the m-membrane system and relations between the coefficients of the m-membrane system and the respective membranes of the system are also given. The validity of this model for binary and ternary solutions was verified, using a double-membrane cell with a horizontally mounted membrane. In the cell, volume and solute fluxes were measured as a function of concentration and gravitational configuration.