CFD simulation of a membrane bioreactor for high saline refinery wastewater treatment

Abstract

a b s t r a c tIn the current research, simulation of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal process from a high saline refinery wastewater using a membrane bioreactor equipped with a hollow fiber membrane, named as a hollow fiber membrane contactor (HFMC) was investigated using computational fluid dynamics method. A two-dimensional mathematical model was proposed to investigate COD transfer. This model describes the diffusion in the axial and radial directions of the HFMC. The model also examines the momentum transfer toward the tube and the shell. Comparing the model results with the experimental data, a deviation of 7.35% attained which reflects the proper reliability of the proposed model to predict the absorption of COD in the HFMC.

Hydrogen recovery from ammonia purge gas by a membrane separator: A simulation study

“…The capability, power, and accuracy of this method for membrane processes have been proven by some authors. 26,[56][57][58][59][60] Figure 2 shows a representation for a three-sectional domain, which is considered in this paper. COMSOL provides an isotropic triangular mesh in this case.…”

“…Membrane-based process units have a compact size, high efficiency, low maintenance, low-energy consumption, low capital investment, ease of operation, and high flexibility. [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] Membrane modeling can be done for a better material selection, adjusting the operating conditions and design of the membrane modules. The first H 2 /nitrogen (N 2 ) membrane separation unit in a large-scale industrial plant was implemented by Monsanto in the ammonia purge gas unit in 1980.…”

“…In recent years, many studies have been conducted in modeling and simulation of HFMCs by considering the influence of various parameters such as gas and liquid flow rates, absorbent types, fluid velocities, and pressure. [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] Membrane modeling can be done for a better material selection, adjusting the operating conditions and design of the membrane modules. Moreover, simulation of HFMs can help to predict optimum operating conditions for minimization of economic costs.…”