The Correction of the Dimensionless Equation for the Mass Transfer Coefficient Estimation during the Membrane Modules Regeneration

Abstract

The cleaning or regeneration of fouled membrane modules is an essential procedure in the membrane equipment operation. Despite the development of some successful cleaning techniques, the predictions of the membrane separation process operation parameters after regeneration is still an unsolved problem. In our previous works, the attempt to develop the methodology of estimating the membrane productivity after the regeneration of the fouled spiral wound membrane modules by cleaning the subatmospheric pressure has been made. However, this methodology requires some improvement, including the correction of the dimensionless equation to calculate the mass transfer coefficient. In this work, a set of additional experiments was carried out, and the corrections of the mass transfer correlation were done using both new and previously obtained experimental data. As a result, the improved dimensionless equation was contained as Sh = 0.00045Re0.8Sc0.33(de/l). This equation is valid in the range of Reynolds number variation of 0.4–60.0 for the case of the regeneration of spiral wound modules and can be used for the prediction of the permeate flux after the regeneration procedure.

The improved evaluation of the duration of the fouled membrane modules regeneration

“…At the same time, the duration of the regeneration differs significantly. In work [3] it was pointed out that previous mass transfer correlation was obtained with overestimated values of diffusivities. The results of improved calculation show that this led to the overestimation of the regeneration duration in 4-5 times, therefore, for the practical calculation the corrected dimensionless equation should be used.…”

“…The starting conditions are: M = 0 for τ = 0. The determination of mass transfer coefficient K, unlike work [2], in the current research the following dimensionless equation was used [3]:…”

“…However, in that work the dimensionless equation was used, which was obtained with several assumptions that lead to the overestimation of the mass transfer coefficient. This equation was corrected in work [3]. The current work aims to carry out the improved evaluation of the regeneration time taking into account the corrected dimensionless equation.…”

Untitled

“…In their work, S.V. Huliienko et al (2020) noted that salt rejection and permeate flow were key factors for analysing the productivity of reverse osmosis plants. Membrane productivity can also be analysed by the salt rejection rate of the membrane system.…”

Study of possibilities of cleaning of mechanical filters of baromembrane plants

“…In their work, S.V. Huliienko et al (2020) noted that salt rejection and permeate flow were key factors for analysing the productivity of reverse osmosis plants. Membrane productivity can also be analysed by the salt rejection rate of the membrane system.…”