Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology—AQUA Vol 55 No 7-8 pp 589–601 © IWA Publishing 2006 doi:10.2166/aqua.2006.058
CFD analysis of particle deposition in the spacer-filled membrane module
Yu-Ling Li, Ting-Hsiang Chang, Chung-Yeh Wu, Ching-Jung Chuang and Kuo-Lun Tung
R&D Center of Membrane Technology and Department of Chemical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320Taiwan Tel.: +886 3265 4129Fax: +886 3265 4199kuolun@cycu.edu.tw
ABSTRACT
Particle deposition in spacer-filled membrane modules is investigated using a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) technique. The flow field and particle transport in the channels with permeable membrane surfaces are calculated using the commercial available CFD software FLUENT®. A scheme similar to the Eulerian–Lagrangian numerical method is adopted for the two-phase flow simulation. Particle transport in three spacer-filled channel configurations is analyzed by considering fluid drag, body force, and lift force exerted on the particles. Feed velocity, permeation flux, and spacer arrangement effects on particle deposition are discussed comprehensively. Based on conclusive preliminary study results, multi-phase flow simulation can provide microscopic understanding of the fouling mechanism in the spacer-filled channel and prove to be a powerful tool to aid in membrane module design.
Keywords: computational fluid dynamics; membranes; particle deposition; spacer; spiral-wound membrane module
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