Design, performance characterization and hydrodynamic modeling of intermeshed spinning basket membrane (ISBM) module

Abstract

Dynamic Shear Enhanced (DSE) membrane modules have been established as effective replacement of classical cross flow devices, especially in treatment of high fouling feed solutions. Nevertheless, even with latest modifications, no DSE module is able to regenerate permeate flux without intermittent chemical/hydrodynamic membrane cleaning. In this article, we have presented the design, performance characterization and primary CFD modeling of a DSE module with rapid on-line membrane washing facility along with high permeate production rate even in treatment of extremely fouling feed solution. Present device, named as Intermeshed Spinning Basket Membrane (ISBM) module, consists of two intermeshed counter rotating baskets, with flat sheet rectangular membranes fitted on alternate sides of their radial arms. Maximum permeate flux was evaluated to be as high as 2.4 × 10−4 m3 m−2 s−1 at moderate transmembrane pressure and rotational speed (588 kPa and 52.36 rad s−1). High rate of flux regeneration (>85% of start-up flux), even after 11 h of filtration run and moderately high flux (2.6 × 10−6 m3 m−2 s−1) for concentrated feed solution (10.5 kg m−3) clearly establish the novelty of present design. Irrespective of low packing density, outcomes of this investigation suggests viable commercial use of ISBM module in treatment of extremely fouling feed solutions, for which other standard membrane units are apprehended to be inoperative.