Numerical analysis of membrane distillation using hollow fiber membrane modules: a review

Abstract

Hollow fiber is one of the most widely used membrane types in the field of membrane-based water treatment, as hollow fiber membranes contain self-supporting structures and are easy to scale up due to their high productivity-per-unit volume. In the commercialization of hollow fiber membranes, module configuration is a key issue that is closely related to system performance. Especially for membrane distillation process, proper design of hollow fiber membrane module is necessary considering mass and heat transport. In an effort to enhance such performance, the inner-workings of the transport phenomena inside these membrane modules are investigated via various numerical approaches. A review of membrane module configurations allows for an examination of recent advances, applications, and numerical approaches related to hollow fiber modules; this is accomplished by a consideration of the characteristics of membrane distillation processes. Based on an analysis of previous research studies, and in an attempt to contribute to improved performance, potential challenges and applications of novel hollow fiber membrane modules are suggested.