Numerical Simulation of the Flow in the Direct Contact Membrane Distillation Flow

Abstract

Direct Contact Membrane Distillation (DCMD) is modeled using conjugate heat transfer Navies-stokes flow model. A uniform salty and relatively hot feed and colder fresh permeate flow driven by peristaltic pump are considered in parallel configuration across the membrane. Depending on the membrane parameters (permeability, thickness, pour size and conductivity) the resulted temperature difference lead to pressure gradient responsible for the vaporizing fraction of the feed and transport to the permeate side through the hydrophobic membrane. Under different flow condition and membrane conductivity mass flux, heat flux, temperature polarization and thermal efficiency are evaluated. Results showed a good agreement with the published theoretical work on the mass flow this followed with sensitivity study to two parameters one is operational and the other is design to gain better understanding of the system performance and metrics including temperature polarization, convective and conductive heat flux, and associated latent heat of evaporation.