Application of response surface methodology (RSM) in the optimization of dewetting conditions for flat sheet membrane distillation (MD) membranes

This study focuses on the exploration of the optimum dewetting conditions to remove water in pores in membrane distillation (MD) process. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to build statistical models for the analysis of flux and liquid entry pressure (LEP) as a function of dewetting temperature and time. A set of MD experiments based on central composite design of experiments method are carried out. Using these experimental results, two response surface (RS) models were developed to predict flux and LEP. The RS models were further used to optimize the dewetting conditions for desired membrane properties. Moreover, the optimum dewetting condition derived from RSM was experimentally verified.