Rough or wiggly? Membrane topology and morphology for fouling control

• Published in: Journal of fluid mechanics Vol. 862; pp. 753 - 780
• Main Authors: Ling, Bowen, Battiato, Ilenia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 10.03.2019
• Subjects: Advection-diffusion equation; Clean energy; Computational fluid dynamics; Computer simulation; Design; Design optimization; Dye dispersion; Fluctuations; Fluid flow; Fluid mechanics; Flux; Fouling; Fouling control; Frameworks; JFM Papers; Mathematical models; Mathematical morphology; Membrane processes; Membranes; Morphology; Performance indices; Permeability; Porous materials; Pressure drop; Reverse osmosis; Reynolds number; Scaling; Straight channels; Surface roughness; Topology; Water treatment; membranes; porous media

During filtration in reverse osmosis membranes (ROM), the system performance is dramatically affected by membrane fouling which causes a significant decrease in permeate flux as well as an increase in the energy input required to operate the system. In this work, we develop a model, able to dynamica...