Reverse osmosis desalination modules containing corrugated membranes – Computational study

Computational fluid dynamics simulation was carried out for three-dimensional desalination modules containing triangular and square ribs attached to the membrane surface. The solution-diffusion membrane transport model was applied along the surface of the corrugated membrane. The membrane flux model which couples the water permeation rate with local salt concentration impose a selective removal of components in the feed channel. The local water flux, salt concentration, wall shear stress, and Sherwood number were monitored over the surface of membranes to determine effects of eddy promoter corrugations on mitigation of concentration polarization and the total water flux. Simulations are conducted using a laminar model for Reynolds number of 100 and k-ω SST turbulence model for Reynolds number of 400 and 1000. Mathematical model and numerical methods employed are validated by comparing predictions against measurements reported earlier. Predicted results agree quantitatively and qualitatively with previous experimental results for membranes with semi-circular cross-sectioned ribs. The results show that corrugated membranes especially triangular chevrons enhance membrane performance profoundly at all flow rates. Water permeation rate is increased, concentration polarization is alleviated, and the potential fouling in the module is reduced by introducing corrugated membranes.