Journal of Membrane Science, Vol.152, No.1, 71-87, 1999
Theoretical analysis of the influence of the axial variation of the transmembrane pressure in cross-flow filtration of rigid spheres
A model of the axial and the radial transmembrane pressure drop in a cylindrical cross-flow filtration module was developed by performing a hydrodynamic analysis of the fluid flow based on the momentum and the continuity equations. Use of this expression for the transmembrane pressure drop together with the resistance model and the concept of shear induced diffusion of the particles at the membrane surface resulted in an expression of the permeate flux. The predictions of the transmembrane pressure drop, the permeate flux and the particles near the membrane surface are discussed for cases with and without the formation of a stagnant layer The importance of the cylindrical membrane fiber dimensions on the permeate flux is also discussed.
Keywords:HOLLOW-FIBER BIOREACTORS;CONCENTRATION POLARIZATION;MICROFILTRATION;SUSPENSIONS;ULTRAFILTRATION;MODEL;FLUX