Book excerpt: Synthetic Membranes and Membrane Separation Processes addresses both fundamental and practical aspects of the subject. Topics discussed in the book cover major industrial membrane separation processes, including reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, membrane gas and vapor separation, and pervaporation. Membrane materials, membrane preparation, membrane structure, membrane transport, membrane module and separation design, and applications are discussed for each separation process. Many problem-solving examples are included to help readers understand the fundamental concepts of the theory behind the processes. The book will benefit practitioners and students in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, and materials science.