A model for transport phenomena in a cross-flow ultrafiltration module with microchannels

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Separation Science
• Membrane Technology

Background:

• Microchannel cross-flow ultrafiltration modules offer advantages like enhanced diffusion and high surface area-to-volume ratios.
• These modules are promising for separation, refining, and as membrane reactors in microchemical processes.
• Limited research exists on the performance of microchannel ultrafiltration modules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between operational conditions and the performance of microchannel cross-flow ultrafiltration devices.
• To model the transport phenomena within the microchannel and membrane permeation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Poly Vinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP) aqueous solution as a model macromolecular solute.
• Conducted cross-flow ultrafiltration experiments under constant pressure, varying transmembrane pressure, feed flow rate, and feed concentration.
• Developed a transport phenomena model based on concentration and velocity distributions.

Main Results:

• Permeate flux initially decreased, then stabilized to a constant value.
• Permeate flux increased with higher transmembrane pressure and feed flow rate.
• Permeate flux decreased with increased feed liquid concentration.
• Experimental data showed good agreement with the developed transport model.

Conclusions:

• Established a clear correlation between operational parameters and ultrafiltration performance in microchannels.
• Validated the predictive capability of the developed transport model for microchannel ultrafiltration.
• Highlighted the potential of microchannel modules for efficient macromolecular separation processes.