A review of CFD simulation in pressure driven membrane with fouling model and anti-fouling strategy

Highlights

● The numerical realization method of the membrane permeation process is summarized.

● Biofouling, scaling and colloidal particle fouling models are detailed presented.

● Representative CFD-aided simulations of anti-fouling strategies are described.

Abstract

Pressure-driven membrane filtration systems are widely utilized in wastewater treatment, desalination, and water reclamation and have received extensive attention from researchers. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) offers a convenient approach for conducting mechanistic studies of flow and mass transfer characteristics in pressure-driven systems. As a signature phenomenon in membrane systems, the concentration polarization that accompanies the permeation process is a key factor in membrane performance degradation and membrane fouling intensification. Multiple fouling models (scaling, biofouling and colloidal particle fouling) based on CFD theory have been constructed, and considerable research has been conducted. Several representative antifouling strategies with special simulation methods, including patterned membranes, vibration membranes, rotation membranes, and pulsatile flows, have also been discussed. Future studies should focus on refining fouling models while considering local hydrodynamic characteristics; experimental observation tools focusing on the internal structure of inhomogeneous fouling layers; techno-economic model of antifouling strategies such as vibrational, rotational and pulsatile flows; and unfavorable hydraulic phenomena induced by rapidly changing flows in simulations.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Computational fluid dynamics / Membrane / Fouling model / Concentration polarization

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Acknowledgements

This research was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 52270076) and the China Baowu Low Carbon Metallurgy Innovation Foundation (No. BWLCF202105).

Conflict of Interests

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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