Membrane filtration with complex branching pore morphology

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2018

Abstract

Membrane filters are in widespread industrial use, and mathematical models to predict their efficacy are potentially very useful, as such models can suggest design modifications to improve filter performance and lifetime. Many models have been proposed to describe particle capture by membrane filters and the associated fluid dynamics, but most such models are based on a very simple structure in which the pores of the membrane are assumed to be simple circularly cylindrical tubes spanning the depth of the membrane. Real membranes used in applications usually have much more complex geometry, with interconnected pores that may branch and bifurcate. Pores are also typically larger on the upstream side of the membrane than on the downstream side. We present an idealized mathematical model, in which a membrane consists of a series of bifurcating pores, which decrease in size as the membrane is traversed. Feed solution is forced through the membrane by applied pressure and particles are removed from the feed by adsorption within pores (which shrinks them). Thus, the membrane's permeability decreases as the filtration progresses. We discuss how filtration efficiency depends on the characteristics of the idealized branching structure.

Identifier

85054483966 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Physical Review Fluids

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevFluids.3.094305

e-ISSN

2469990X

Issue

9

Volume

3

Grant

1646339

Fund Ref

National Science Foundation

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