A novel method for rapid evaluating the characteristics of fluid and solute transport in membrane devices

For the optimized design and application of membrane devices, careful consideration of the complexity of the underlying mass transport mechanism as well as the dependence of device performance on design parameters and operation conditions is critical. In this study, we present a new one-dimensional model, which is straightforward and yet accounts for the major phenomena that could impact the mass transport characteristics of membrane devices. A novel numerical method is subsequently presented to calculate the transport equations. Unlike the conventional method where transport equations for different subdomains, i.e., membrane and the side compartments, are calculated in separated steps and requires repeated iteration to achieve convergence, the presented method treats fluid and solute transport in the whole device as connected flow networks, and deduces the discrete forms of governing equations through Kirchhoff's Laws. By calculating the equations in a coupled implicit manner, whole-field solution can be obtained with improved numerical stability, accuracy, and efficiency. The superiority of the method have been validated by experimental data with respect to different membrane devices. Capable of readily and accurately evaluating their mass transport characteristics under various conditions, the presented method provides an efficient tool for screening the optimal design parameters and operation conditions.

Automated summary

The study introduces a new numerical method for optimizing the design and application of membrane devices, which calculates mass transport equations through connected flow networks, improving numerical stability and efficiency. Experimental data validates the superiority of this method, allowing for accurate assessment of mass transport characteristics of membrane devices under different conditions.