Enhancing flux of a microporous hollow fiber membrane

A method for recovering oil from a liquid source of oil comprising the steps of:

• positioning a membrane contactor in contact with a liquid source of oil;
• heating or cooling at least one of the liquid source of oil or a collection fluid;
• and
• contacting a membrane contactor system having one or more membrane contactors having a first and a second surface, wherein at least one of the first or second surfaces coalesce one or more oils from the liquid source of oil allowing the coalesced oil to be collected on the opposite surface of the membrane, wherein a temperature differential between the liquid source of oil and the collection fluid enhances the oil recovery at the membrane contactor from the liquid source of oil.

An apparatus for improving oil quality of a liquid source of oil, comprising:

• a reservoir that comprises the liquid source of oil;
• a membrane contactor in contact with a liquid source of oil and optionally a collection fluid;
• and
• a heater/cooler connected to at least one of the liquid source of oil or a collection fluid, wherein the membrane contactor comprises one or more membrane contactors having a first and a second surface, wherein at least one of the first or second surfaces coalesce one or more oils from the liquid source of oil allowing the coalesced oil to be collected on the opposite surface of the membrane, wherein a temperature increase in the liquid source of oil or an increased temperature differential between the liquid source and a collection fluid enhances the oil recovery at the membrane contactor from the liquid source of oil.