Modeling direct contact membrane distillation using experimental data

Abstract EN

A pilot plant is comprised of direct contact membrane distillation module that is used for brackish water desalination.

the generated experimental data is used to validate a conventional mathematical model that describe the heat and mass transfer operations in such units.

the model governing equations are calibrated judicially without over parameterization to make the model predictions accurate over a wide range of feed flow rates and temperature.

specifically, the discrepancy between the feed sensible heat and heat flux must be correlated to the process parameters and incorporated in the heat balance equations.

this correction leads to enhanced prediction of the outlet permeate and brine temperatures.

an ad hoc tuning parameter is added to the mass flux equating to improve the accuracy of mass production estimation.

however, it is found that using a one-dimension model that accounts for variation of the bulk temperature along the membrane length can enhance the mass production prediction significantly without the need for unnecessary tuning parameter.