Modeling of filtration characteristics during submerged hollow fiber membrane microfiltration of yeast suspension under aeration condition

Abstract

A modeling of filtration characteristics during the submerged hollow fiber membrane microfiltration of yeast suspension under aeration condition was developed on the basis of hydrodynamic mathematical equations that describe the local flux distribution, particle deposition and gas–liquid two-phase flow. The effects of average operating flux, fiber length, inner diameter and aeration rate on the distributions of local flux and filtration resistance were investigated using the developed model. The model was validated using the literature data. The simulated results showed that the asymmetry of initial local flux distribution was intensified with the increase of aeration rate. The local fluxes along the fiber experienced the self-adjustment and reconstruction due to the changes of filtration resistance as the filtration processed. Furthermore, the local flux distribution along the fiber with a short length and large fiber inner diameter at a high operating flux would tend to become relatively uniform at the initial period of filtration.