Network-based membrane filters: Influence of network and pore size variability on filtration performance

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-5-2022

Abstract

We model porous membrane filters as networks of connected cylindrical pores via a random network generation protocol, and their initial pore radii via a uniform distribution of widths that vary about some mean value. We investigate the influence of network and pore size (radius) variations on the performance of membrane filters that undergo adsorptive fouling. We find that membrane porosity variations, independently of whether induced by variations of the pore radii or of the random pore network, are an important factor determining membrane filter performance. Network and pore size variations still play a role, in particular if pore radii variations are significant. To quantify the influence of these variations, we compare the performance metrics of networks built from pores of variable radii to their (equal porosity) counterparts built from pores of uniform radius. We show that the effect of pore radii variations is to increase throughput, but also to reduce foulant control.

Identifier

85132219503 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Journal of Membrane Science

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2022.120668

e-ISSN

18733123

ISSN

03767388

Volume

657

Grant

DMS-1615719

Fund Ref

National Science Foundation

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