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Mass Transport in Osmotically Driven Membrane Processes.

Peng Xie¹, Tzahi Y Cath², David A Ladner¹

¹Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29625, USA.

|January 6, 2021

Summary

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling helps understand hydrodynamics in osmotically driven membrane processes. Feed spacers can impact water flux, either reducing or enhancing it based on flow conditions.

Keywords:

2D and 3D simulation computational fluid dynamics (CFD)desalination feed spacer forward osmosis pressure retarded osmosis water treatment

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Introduction to Solid Supported Membrane Based Electrophysiology

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Area of Science:

Membrane Science and Technology
Chemical Engineering
Computational Modeling

Background:

Osmo-driven membrane processes (ODMPs), including forward osmosis (FO) and pressure retarded osmosis (PRO), show laboratory promise but face challenges in large-scale application.
Further development is needed for ODMPs to transition from emerging technologies to widespread industrial use.

Purpose of the Study:

To utilize computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling with solute transport evaluation to investigate hydrodynamics and concentration polarization in FO and PRO.
To assess the impact of feed spacers on water flux in ODMPs.

Main Methods:

Developed and validated CFD models against experimental results for empty-channel membrane cells to ensure reliability.
Constructed 2D and 3D models to simulate the effects of feed spacers on velocity and concentration distributions within flow channels.

Main Results:

CFD simulations with solute transport accurately predicted water flux in empty-channel configurations.
Feed spacers were shown to alter velocity and concentration profiles within the membrane flow channels.
The presence of spacers could either reduce or enhance water flux, contingent upon inlet flow velocity and spacer-membrane proximity.

Conclusions:

CFD modeling is a dependable tool for studying hydrodynamics and concentration polarization in ODMPs.
Feed spacer design and operating conditions are critical factors influencing water flux enhancement or reduction in ODMPs.