3D CFD study of the effect of multi-layer spacers on membrane performance under steady flow
Multi-layer feed channel spacers have shown superior mass transfer enhancement than conventional dual-layer spacers used in reverse osmosis (RO) spiral wound membrane modules. However, mass transfer indicators do not directly address the economic advantages of multi-layer spacers. To allow for a dir...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier Ltd
2019
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| Online Access: | http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/24695/ http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/24695/1/3D%20CFD%20study%20of%20the%20effect%20of%20multi-layer.pdf |
| _version_ | 1848822098320949248 |
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| author | Liang, Y. Y. K. Y., Toh Weihs, G. A. Fimbres |
| author_facet | Liang, Y. Y. K. Y., Toh Weihs, G. A. Fimbres |
| author_sort | Liang, Y. Y. |
| building | UMP Institutional Repository |
| collection | Online Access |
| description | Multi-layer feed channel spacers have shown superior mass transfer enhancement than conventional dual-layer spacers used in reverse osmosis (RO) spiral wound membrane modules. However, mass transfer indicators do not directly address the economic advantages of multi-layer spacers. To allow for a direct economic comparison of spacer designs, a simplified multi-scale techno-economic model is proposed which can provide useful cost trends. A total of 8 feed spacer geometries with different attack angles (α = 0–60°) and filament sizes (df/hch = 0.4–0.6) are first investigated using 3D-CFD. Multi-layer spacers typically increase both Sherwood number (~12%) and friction factor (~140%). The techno-economic model is then used to assess the impact of these changes on the total processing cost for RO. The latter analysis found that larger pressure drops associated with multi-layer spacers in long channels have little impact on total water processing cost for RO, with multi-layer spacers showing lower total processing costs (by 2–4%) than the dual-layer spacer for both seawater and brackish water RO. Novel spacer designs should therefore emphasise flux enhancement. The importance of including energy recovery for a more accurate economic analysis is highlighted, especially for systems with low recovery ratio. |
| first_indexed | 2025-11-15T02:35:50Z |
| format | Article |
| id | ump-24695 |
| institution | Universiti Malaysia Pahang |
| institution_category | Local University |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2025-11-15T02:35:50Z |
| publishDate | 2019 |
| publisher | Elsevier Ltd |
| recordtype | eprints |
| repository_type | Digital Repository |
| spelling | ump-246952019-12-31T01:50:02Z http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/24695/ 3D CFD study of the effect of multi-layer spacers on membrane performance under steady flow Liang, Y. Y. K. Y., Toh Weihs, G. A. Fimbres QD Chemistry TP Chemical technology Multi-layer feed channel spacers have shown superior mass transfer enhancement than conventional dual-layer spacers used in reverse osmosis (RO) spiral wound membrane modules. However, mass transfer indicators do not directly address the economic advantages of multi-layer spacers. To allow for a direct economic comparison of spacer designs, a simplified multi-scale techno-economic model is proposed which can provide useful cost trends. A total of 8 feed spacer geometries with different attack angles (α = 0–60°) and filament sizes (df/hch = 0.4–0.6) are first investigated using 3D-CFD. Multi-layer spacers typically increase both Sherwood number (~12%) and friction factor (~140%). The techno-economic model is then used to assess the impact of these changes on the total processing cost for RO. The latter analysis found that larger pressure drops associated with multi-layer spacers in long channels have little impact on total water processing cost for RO, with multi-layer spacers showing lower total processing costs (by 2–4%) than the dual-layer spacer for both seawater and brackish water RO. Novel spacer designs should therefore emphasise flux enhancement. The importance of including energy recovery for a more accurate economic analysis is highlighted, especially for systems with low recovery ratio. Elsevier Ltd 2019-06-15 Article PeerReviewed pdf en http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/24695/1/3D%20CFD%20study%20of%20the%20effect%20of%20multi-layer.pdf Liang, Y. Y. and K. Y., Toh and Weihs, G. A. Fimbres (2019) 3D CFD study of the effect of multi-layer spacers on membrane performance under steady flow. Journal of Membrane Science, 580. pp. 256-267. ISSN 0376-7388. (Published) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2019.02.015 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2019.02.015 |
| spellingShingle | QD Chemistry TP Chemical technology Liang, Y. Y. K. Y., Toh Weihs, G. A. Fimbres 3D CFD study of the effect of multi-layer spacers on membrane performance under steady flow |
| title | 3D CFD study of the effect of multi-layer spacers on membrane performance under steady flow |
| title_full | 3D CFD study of the effect of multi-layer spacers on membrane performance under steady flow |
| title_fullStr | 3D CFD study of the effect of multi-layer spacers on membrane performance under steady flow |
| title_full_unstemmed | 3D CFD study of the effect of multi-layer spacers on membrane performance under steady flow |
| title_short | 3D CFD study of the effect of multi-layer spacers on membrane performance under steady flow |
| title_sort | 3d cfd study of the effect of multi-layer spacers on membrane performance under steady flow |
| topic | QD Chemistry TP Chemical technology |
| url | http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/24695/ http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/24695/ http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/24695/ http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/24695/1/3D%20CFD%20study%20of%20the%20effect%20of%20multi-layer.pdf |