A literature survey concerning the osmotic membrane distillation was presented. This process is discussed and compared with other types of membrane distillation, particularly with direct-contact membrane distillation. A critical evaluation of the process principles and parameters was included in this literature review. Process nomenclature. membrane properties, transport phenomena and module design are discussed in detail. The mass driving force in osmotic membrane distillation is considered. Various options of process application are evaluated. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.