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A Study on the Evaluation of Flow Distribution Evenness in Parallel-Arrayed-Type Low-Pressure Membrane Module Piping.
No-Suk Park1, Sukmin Yoon1, Woochang Jeong2
1Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Research Institute, Gyeongsang National University, 501, Jinju-Daero, Jinju 52828, Korea.
Membranes
|October 22, 2021
Summary
Uneven flow in membrane filtration systems was measured and analyzed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Adjusting pipe size ratios and maintaining laminar flow (Reynolds number ≤ 4000) significantly improved flow distribution.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Water treatment engineering
- Chemical engineering
Background:
- Parallel membrane filtration systems often suffer from uneven flow distribution.
- This impacts treatment efficiency and membrane lifespan.
- Understanding flow dynamics in header pipes is crucial for optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure and analyze flow rate distribution in a membrane filtration header pipe.
- To identify the causes of uneven flow using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
- To propose design modifications for equalizing flow and investigate the impact of Reynolds number.
Main Methods:
- Mobile ultrasonic flow meter for in-situ flow rate measurement.
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations for analysis and verification.
- Analysis of header pipe and branch pipe dimensions and flow characteristics.
Main Results:
- Outflow from branch pipes at the header's end was three times higher than at the inlet.
- Uneven flow is caused by differential pressure buildup along the header pipe.
- Reducing the ratio of branch to header pipe cross-sectional area by 30 times equalized flow.
- Transitional or laminar flow (Reynolds number ≤ 4000) promotes even flow distribution.
Conclusions:
- CFD is a reliable tool for verifying flow distribution measurements.
- Optimizing the header-to-branch pipe area ratio is key to achieving uniform flow.
- Controlling flow regime (laminar/transitional) enhances flow evenness in membrane filtration systems.
Keywords:
Reynolds numbercomputational fluid dynamicsflow distribution evennessmanifold pipe structureultrasonic flow meterMore Related Videos
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