Flux enhancement in membrane distillation by module designs

Abstract

Membrane distillation is a possible alternative for the conventional desalination technologies, e.g., multi stage flash vaporization and reverse osmosis for about three decades. A great number of research studies have been devoted to enhance the flux in the membrane distillation process. Based on the MD mechanism, the obtained flux in MD depend on the membrane permeation properties as well as the flow geometry in the membrane modules. A good flow geometry maintaining turbulence among the fibers can minimize the undesirable temperature polarization that leads to a tower driving force across the membrane and consequently a lower obtained flux. Greater flux enhancements with modified hollow fiber membranes modules were achieved at higher feed temperatures. This is an abstract of a paper presented at the 8th World Congress of Chemical Engineering (Montreal, Quebec, Canada 8/23-27/2009).