Numerical Modelling Assisted Design of a Compact Ultrafiltration (UF) Flat Sheet Membrane Module

Abstract

The increasing adoption of ultra-low pressure (ULP) membrane systems for drinking water treatment in small rural communities is currently hindered by a limited number of studies on module design. Detailed knowledge on both intrinsic membrane transport properties and fluid hydrodynamics within the module is essential in understanding ULP performance prediction, mass transfer analysis for scaling-up between lab-scale and industrial scale research. In comparison to hollow fiber membranes, flat sheet membranes present certain advantages such as simple manufacture, sheet replacement for cleaning, moderate packing density and low to moderate energy usage. In the present case study, a numerical model using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of a novel custom flat sheet membrane module has been designed in 3D to predict fluid flow conditions. The permeate flux through the membrane decreased with an increase in spacer curviness from 2.81 L/m2h for no (0%) curviness to 2.73 L/m2h for full (100%) curviness. A parametric analysis on configuration variables was carried out to determine the optimum design variables and no significant influence of spacer inflow or outflow thickness on the fluid flow were observed. The numerical model provides the necessary information on the role of geometrical and operating parameters for fabricating a module prototype where access to technical expertise is limited.

3D printed electrically conductive interdigitated spacer on ultrafiltration membrane for electrolytic cleaning and chlorination

“…Therefore, some recent research focuses on simplifying the module design without any compromise in the performance. Several computational 30,31 and experimental 32,33 studies have examined the performance of compact and integrated membrane module designs and the obtained results have been encouraging. The higher capital cost and limited technological infrastructure, however, restricts the practical applicability of such sophisticated designs.…”

Study of Turbulence Promoters in Prolonging Membrane Life

“…Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a tool that can be used to intuitively study the fluid flow, particularly the local micro-scale fluid flow phenomenon. Researchers have used CFD to study the fluid flow characteristics of wastewater treatment systems to optimize the design of wastewater treatment units, such as aerated grit tanks [27], multichamber tanks [28,29], oxidation ditches [30], grit chambers [31], bioreactors [32,33], membrane reactors [34,35], and membrane modules [36,37]. Numerous studies [38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46] have aimed at understanding the complex flow phenomena occurring in narrow flow channels with a turbulence promoter.…”

Geometrical Influence on Particle Transport in Cross-Flow Ultrafiltration: Cylindrical and Flat Sheet Membranes

“…In spite of being less fouling-resistant than CM membranes, FMM and FMS membrane systems are often used as plate-and-frame setups in industrial applications, owing to their compact design and being less expensive. Moreover, flat sheet membranes can be operated at larger TMP, since they are commonly supported mechanically by plates or rigid porous spacers on the permeate side [8][9][10]. The FMS module with a transparent substrate sheet is also useful for monitoring flow behavior and fouling [11][12][13][14].…”