Effect of Multi-staging in Vacuum Membrane Distillation on Productivity and Temperature Polarization

Authors

1 faculty of mechanical engineering, GIK Institute of Engineering Sciences and technology, Topi, KPK, Pakistan

2 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, GIK Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Topi, 23460, Pakistan

Abstract

Multi-stage vacuum membrane distillation (MSVMD) has recently gained attention as means of enhancing the  performance of single stage configuration. The present study is aimed to analyze the impact of multi-staging in VMD  (vacuum membrane distillation) on productivity and the associated temperature polarization. Another goal is to  determine the point of inversion, a point after which further multi-staging is no more beneficial both in terms of  permeate productivity (flux) and associated temperature polarization. After validation with the experimental data, a  parametric analysis of MSVMD performance is carried out numerically. Further, the permeate productivity and associated  temperature polarization phenomenon were analyzed simultaneously under varying membrane specifications. The  optimum number of stages, giving the maximum possible performance of MSVMD, is estimated for variation in most  prominent process variables and membrane specifications. The point of inversion was found to be above 40 stages for  varying process variables, however, it remained well below 20 stages for variation in some of the prominent membrane  characteristics. 

Graphical Abstract

Effect of Multi-staging in Vacuum Membrane Distillation on Productivity and Temperature Polarization

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Main Subjects


Volume 8, Issue 1
Special Issue: Membranes for Development and Sustainable Future
January 2022
  • Receive Date: 23 July 2021
  • Revise Date: 20 September 2021
  • Accept Date: 17 October 2021