Bipolar membranes have gained increasing interest as a tool for an efficient production of acids and bases from the corresponding salts. A large number of potential applications have been identified in the chemical and biochemical industry have been identified and evaluated on a laboratory scale. In spite of extensive research efforts and laboratory and pilot plat test, there are hardly any large-scale commercial plants. In this paper the basic concept of the electrodialytic water dissociation with bipolar membranes are briefly reviewed. The limitations of today`s bipolar membranes are indicated. Selected examples of successful applications of the bipolar membrane technology are discussed.

• Strathmann H.(Institute fr Chemische Verfahrenstechnik, University of Stuttgart, Germany)