Skip to main content
Log in

A review of CFD simulation in pressure driven membrane with fouling model and anti-fouling strategy

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Pressure-driven membrane filtration systems are widely utilized in wastewater treatment, desalination, and water reclamation and have received extensive attention from researchers. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) offers a convenient approach for conducting mechanistic studies of flow and mass transfer characteristics in pressure-driven systems. As a signature phenomenon in membrane systems, the concentration polarization that accompanies the permeation process is a key factor in membrane performance degradation and membrane fouling intensification. Multiple fouling models (scaling, biofouling and colloidal particle fouling) based on CFD theory have been constructed, and considerable research has been conducted. Several representative antifouling strategies with special simulation methods, including patterned membranes, vibration membranes, rotation membranes, and pulsatile flows, have also been discussed. Future studies should focus on refining fouling models while considering local hydrodynamic characteristics; experimental observation tools focusing on the internal structure of inhomogeneous fouling layers; techno-economic model of antifouling strategies such as vibrational, rotational and pulsatile flows; and unfavorable hydraulic phenomena induced by rapidly changing flows in simulations.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abdelkader B A, Sharqawy M (2022). Pressure drop across membrane spacer-filled channels using porous media characteristics and computational fluid dynamics simulation. Desalination and Water Treatment, 247: 28–39

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Akagi T, Horie T, Masuda H, Matsuda K, Matsumoto H, Ohmura N, Hirata Y (2018). Improvement of separation performance by fluid motion in the membrane module with a helical baffle. Separation and Purification Technology, 198: 52–59

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Abbasi O, Bin Shams M (2021). Dynamic CFD modelling of an industrial-scale dead-end ultrafiltration system: full cycle and complete blockage. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 40: 101887

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ali S M, Qamar A, Kerdi S, Phuntsho S, Vrouwenvelder J S, Ghaffour N, Shon H K (2019). Energy efficient 3D printed column type feed spacer for membrane filtration. Water Research, 164: 114961

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ali S M, Qamar A, Phuntsho S, Ghaffour N, Vrouwenvelder J S, Shon H K (2020). Conceptual design of a dynamic turbospacer for efficient low pressure membrane filtration. Desalination, 496: 114712

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anqi A E, Alkhamis N, Oztekin A (2015). Numerical simulation of brackish water desalination by a reverse osmosis membrane. Desalination, 369: 156–164

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Araújo P A, Kruithof J C, Van Loosdrecht M C M, Vrouwenvelder J S (2012). The potential of standard and modified feed spacers for biofouling control. Journal of Membrane Science, 403–404: 58–70

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Asadollahi M, Bastani D, Musavi S A (2017). Enhancement of surface properties and performance of reverse osmosis membranes after surface modification: a review. Desalination, 420: 330–383

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bae S, Gu B, Lee J H (2023). A 3D CFD study on the effects of feed spacer designs on membrane performance for high-permeance RO membranes. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 53: 103887

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bahoosh M, Kashi E, Shokrollahzadeh S (2022). The side stream and different spacers effects on the permeate water flux in forward osmosis process using computational fluid dynamics. Chemical Engineering and Processing, 181: 109113

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Binger Z M, Achilli A (2023). Surrogate modeling of pressure loss & mass transfer in membrane channels via coupling of computational fluid dynamics and machine learning. Desalination, 548: 116241

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Boudinar M B, Hanbury W T, Avlonitis S (1992). Numerical simulation and optimisation of spiral-wound modules. Desalination, 86(3): 273–290

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boudreau B P (1996). The diffusive tortuosity of fine-grained unlithified sediments. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 60(16): 3139–3142

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bräsel B, Yoo S W, Huber S, Wessling M, Linkhorst J (2023). Evolution of particle deposits at communicating membrane pores during crossflow filtration. Journal of Membrane Science, 686: 121977

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brinkman H C (1949). A calculation of the viscous force exerted by a flowing fluid on a dense swarm of particles. Flow, Turbulence and Combustion, 1(1): 27–34

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bucs S S, Farhat N, Kruithof J C, Picioreanu C, van Loosdrecht M C M, Vrouwenvelder J S (2018). Review on strategies for biofouling mitigation in spiral wound membrane systems. Desalination, 434: 189–197

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bucs S S, Valladares Linares R, Marston J O, Radu A I, Vrouwenvelder J S, Picioreanu C (2015). Experimental and numerical characterization of the water flow in spacer-filled channels of spiral-wound membranes. Water Research, 87: 299–310

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bucs S S, Valladares Linares R, Vrouwenvelder J S, Picioreanu C (2016). Biofouling in forward osmosis systems: an experimental and numerical study. Water Research, 106: 86–97

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bucs Sz S, Radu A I, Lavric V, Vrouwenvelder J S, Picioreanu C (2014a). Effect of different commercial feed spacers on biofouling of reverse osmosis membrane systems: a numerical study. Desalination, 343: 26–37

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bucs Sz S, Valladares Linares R, van Loosdrecht M C M, Kruithof J C, Vrouwenvelder J S (2014b). Impact of organic nutrient load on biomass accumulation, feed channel pressure drop increase and permeate flux decline in membrane systems. Water Research, 67: 227–242

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cao H, O’Rourke M, Habimana O, Casey E (2018). Analysis of surrogate bacterial cell transport to nanofiltration membranes: effect of salt concentration and hydrodynamics. Separation and Purification Technology, 207: 498–505

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cao Z (2001). CFD simulations of net-type turbulence promoters in a narrow channel. Journal of Membrane Science, 185(2): 157–176

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carman P C (1997). Fluid flow through granular beds. Chemical Engineering Research & Design, 75: S32–S48

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chaudhuri A, Jogdand A (2017). Permeate flux decrease due to concentration polarization in a closed roto-dynamic reverse osmosis filtration system. Desalination, 402: 152–161

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Choi D C, Jung S Y, Won Y J, Jang J H, Lee J, Chae H R, Ahn K H, Lee S, Park P K, Lee C H (2015). Three-dimensional hydraulic modeling of particle deposition on the patterned isopore membrane in crossflow microfiltration. Journal of Membrane Science, 492: 156–163

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chong T H, Wong F S, Fane A G (2008). The effect of imposed flux on biofouling in reverse osmosis: role of concentration polarisation and biofilm enhanced osmotic pressure phenomena. Journal of Membrane Science, 325(2): 840–850

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chong Y K, Liang Y Y, Lau W J, Fimbres Weihs G A (2022). 3D CFD study of hydrodynamics and mass transfer phenomena for spiral wound membrane submerged-type feed spacer with different node geometries and sizes. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 191: 122819

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chong Y K, Liang Y Y, Weihs G A F (2023). Validation and characterisation of mass transfer of 3D-CFD model for twisted feed spacer. Desalination, 554: 116516

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chun Y, Jeong K, Cho K H (2020). Influences of combined organic fouling and inorganic scaling on flux and fouling behaviors in forward osmosis. Membranes, 10(6): 115

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Completo C, Semiao V, Geraldes V (2016). Efficient CFD-based method for designing cross-flow nanofiltration small devices. Journal of Membrane Science, 500: 190–202

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Desmond P, Huisman K T, Sanawar H, Farhat N M, Traber J, Fridjonsson E O, Johns M L, Flemming H C, Picioreanu C, Vrouwenvelder J S (2022). Controlling the hydraulic resistance of membrane biofilms by engineering biofilm physical structure. Water Research, 210: 118031

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dydo P, Turek M, Ciba J, Wandachowicz K, Misztal J (2004). The nucleation kinetic aspects of gypsum nanofiltration membrane scaling. Desalination, 164(1): 41–52

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Evangelista F (1988). An improved analytical method for the design of spiral-wound modules. Chemical Engineering Journal, 38(1): 33–40

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fang H H, Wu R M (2008). Determination of hydrodynamic shear force exerted on membrane surface in cross-flow filtration by multiphase flow simulation. Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan, 41(10): 961–966

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fimbres-Weihs G A, Wiley D E (2007). Numerical study of mass transfer in three-dimensional spacer-filled narrow channels with steady flow. Journal of Membrane Science, 306(1–2): 228–243

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fimbres Weihs G A, Wiley D E (2014). CFD analysis of tracer response technique under cake-enhanced osmotic pressure. Journal of Membrane Science, 449: 38–49

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fowler J D, Robertson C R (1991). Hydraulic permeability of immobilized bacterial cell aggregates. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 57(1): 102–113

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gao Y, Haavisto S, Tang C Y, Salmela J, Li W (2013). Characterization of fluid dynamics in spacer-filled channels for membrane filtration using Doppler optical coherence tomography. Journal of Membrane Science, 448: 198–208

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • García-Picazo F J, Fletcher D F, Fimbres-Weihs G A (2023). Mass transfer enhancement in spacer-filled membrane channels by flow oscillation induced vortex shedding: Numerical study of the effect of amplitude. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 209: 124054

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goh P S, Lau W J, Othman M H D, Ismail A F (2018). Membrane fouling in desalination and its mitigation strategies. Desalination, 425: 130–155

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Goh P S, Zulhairun A K, Ismail A F, Hilal N (2019). Contemporary antibiofouling modifications of reverse osmosis desalination membrane: a review. Desalination, 468: 114072

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gorzalski A S, Coronell O (2014). Fouling of nanofiltration membranes in full- and bench-scale systems treating groundwater containing silica. Journal of Membrane Science, 468: 349–359

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gu B, Adjiman C S, Xu X Y (2017). The effect of feed spacer geometry on membrane performance and concentration polarisation based on 3D CFD simulations. Journal of Membrane Science, 527: 78–91

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gu B, Adjiman C S, Xu X Y (2021). Correlations for concentration polarization and pressure drop in spacer-filled RO membrane modules based on CFD simulations. Membranes, 11(5): 338

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Guan H, Lin P, Yu S, Hu X, Li X, Zhu Z (2023). Hydrodynamic effects of non-uniform feed spacer structures on energy loss and mass transfer in spiral wound module. Journal of Membrane Science, 673: 121479

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Guillen G, Hoek E M V (2009). Modeling the impacts of feed spacer geometry on reverse osmosis and nanofiltration processes. Chemical Engineering Journal, 149(1–3): 221–231

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Haidari A H, Heijman S G J, van der Meer W G J (2018). Optimal design of spacers in reverse osmosis. Separation and Purification Technology, 192: 441–456

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Han Z, Terashima M, Liu B, Yasui H (2018). CFD investigation of the effect of the feed spacer on hydrodynamics in spiral wound membrane modules. Mathematical and Computational Applications, 23(4): 80

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hwang K J, Lin S J (2014). Filtration flux-shear stress-cake mass relationships in microalgae rotating-disk dynamic microfiltration. Chemical Engineering Journal, 244: 429–437

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ilyas A, Mertens M, Oyaert S, Vankelecom I F J (2021). Anti-fouling behavior of micro-patterned PVDF membranes prepared via sprayassisted phase inversion: influence of pattern shapes and flow configuration. Separation and Purification Technology, 259: 118041

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ilyas A, Timmermans L, Vanierschot M, Smets I, Vankelecom I F J (2022). Micro-patterned PVDF membranes and magnetically induced membrane vibration system for efficient membrane bioreactor operation. Journal of Membrane Science, 662: 120978

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jafari M, Desmond P, van Loosdrecht M C M, Derlon N, Morgenroth E, Picioreanu C (2018). Effect of biofilm structural deformation on hydraulic resistance during ultrafiltration: a numerical and experimental study. Water Research, 145: 375–387

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jalilvand Z, Zokaee Ashtiani F, Fouladitajar A, Rezaei H (2014). Computational fluid dynamics modeling and experimental study of continuous and pulsatile flow in flat sheet microfiltration membranes. Journal of Membrane Science, 450: 207–214

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jamieson T, Leterme S C (2021). Influences and impacts of biofouling in SWRO desalination plants. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 51(12): 1281–1301

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Janus T (2014). Integrated Mathematical Model of a MBR Reactor Including Biopolymer Kinetics and Membrane Fouling. Procedia Engineering, 12th International Conference on Computing and Control for the Water Industry, CCWI2013 70: 882–891

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Janus T, Ulanicki B. (2015). ASM1-Based Activated Sludge Model with Biopolymer Kinetics for Integrated Simulation of Membrane Bioreactors for Wastewater Treatment. Procedia Engineering, Computing and Control for the Water Industry (CCWI2015) Sharing the Best Practice in Water Management 119: 1318–1327

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jeong K, Park M, Oh S, Kim J H (2020). Impacts of flow channel geometry, hydrodynamic and membrane properties on osmotic backwash of RO membranes—CFD modeling and simulation. Desalination, 476: 114229

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ji P, Motin A, Shan W, Bénard A, Bruening M L, Tarabara V V (2016). Dynamic crossflow filtration with a rotating tubular membrane: using centripetal force to decrease fouling by buoyant particles. Chemical Engineering Research & Design, 106: 101–114

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jogdand A, Chaudhuri A (2015). Modeling of concentration polarization and permeate flux variation in a roto-dynamic reverse osmosis filtration system. Desalination, 375: 54–70

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston J, Dischinger S M, Nassr M, Lee J Y, Bigdelou P, Freeman B D, Gleason K L, Martinand D, Miller D J, Molins S, et al. (2023). A reduced-order model of concentration polarization in reverse osmosis systems with feed spacers. Journal of Membrane Science, 675: 121508

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston J, Lou J, Tilton N (2022). Application of projection methods to simulating mass transport in reverse osmosis systems. Computers & Fluids, 232: 105189

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jung S Y, Ahn K H (2019). Transport and deposition of colloidal particles on a patterned membrane surface: effect of cross-flow velocity and the size ratio of particle to surface pattern. Journal of Membrane Science, 572: 309–319

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Karabelas A J, Kostoglou M, Koutsou C P (2015). Modeling of spiral wound membrane desalination modules and plants: review and research priorities. Desalination, 356: 165–186

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kavianipour O, Ingram G D, Vuthaluru H B (2017). Investigation into the effectiveness of feed spacer configurations for reverse osmosis membrane modules using computational fluid dynamics. Journal of Membrane Science, 526: 156–171

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kavianipour O, Ingram G D, Vuthaluru H B (2019). Studies into the mass transfer and energy consumption of commercial feed spacers for RO membrane modules using CFD: effectiveness of performance measures. Chemical Engineering Research & Design, 141: 328–338

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kerdi S, Qamar A, Alpatova A, Vrouwenvelder J S, Ghaffour N (2020). Membrane filtration performance enhancement and biofouling mitigation using symmetric spacers with helical filaments. Desalination, 484: 114454

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kerdi S, Qamar A, Vrouwenvelder J S, Ghaffour N (2018). Fouling resilient perforated feed spacers for membrane filtration. Water Research, 140: 211–219

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kerdi S, Qamar A, Vrouwenvelder J S, Ghaffour N (2021). Effect of localized hydrodynamics on biofilm attachment and growth in a cross-flow filtration channel. Water Research, 188: 116502

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Keucken A, Liu X, Lian B, Wang Y, Persson K M, Leslie G (2018). Simulation of NOM removal by capillary NF: a numerical method for full-scale plant design. Journal of Membrane Science, 555: 229–236

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kim K, Jung J Y, Kwon J H, Yang J W (2015). Dynamic microfiltration with a perforated disk for effective harvesting of microalgae. Journal of Membrane Science, 475: 252–258

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Knutsen J S, Davis R H (2006). Deposition of foulant particles during tangential flow filtration. Journal of Membrane Science, 271(1–2): 101–113

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kostoglou M, Karabelas A J (2013). Comprehensive simulation of flat-sheet membrane element performance in steady state desalination. Desalination, 316: 91–102

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Koutsou C P, Karabelas A J (2015). A novel retentate spacer geometry for improved spiral wound membrane (SWM) module performance. Journal of Membrane Science, 488: 129–142

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Koutsou C P, Karabelas A J, Kostoglou M (2018). Fluid dynamics and mass transfer in spacer-filled membrane channels: effect of uniform channel-gap reduction due to fouling. Fluids, 3(1): 12

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koutsou C P, Yiantsios S G, Karabelas A J (2007). Direct numerical simulation of flow in spacer-filled channels: effect of spacer geometrical characteristics. Journal of Membrane Science, 291(1–2): 53–69

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Koutsou C P, Yiantsios S G, Karabelas A J (2009). A numerical and experimental study of mass transfer in spacer-filled channels: effects of spacer geometrical characteristics and Schmidt number. Journal of Membrane Science, 326(1): 234–251

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lecuyer S, Rusconi R, Shen Y, Forsyth A, Vlamakis H, Kolter R, Stone H A (2011). Shear stress increases the residence time of adhesion of pseudomonas aeruginosa. Biophysical Journal, 100(2): 341–350

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lee Y K, Won Y J, Yoo J H, Ahn K H, Lee C H (2013). Flow analysis and fouling on the patterned membrane surface. Journal of Membrane Science, 427: 320–325

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li B, Dobosz K M, Zhang H, Schiffman J D, Saranteas K, Henson M A (2019). Predicting the performance of pressure filtration processes by coupling computational fluid dynamics and discrete element methods. Chemical Engineering Science, 208: 115162

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li C, Zhang D, Liu J, Xiong H, Sun T, Wu X, Shi Z, Lin Q (2022). Study on the control of membrane fouling by pulse function feed and CFD simulation verification. Membranes, 12(4): 362

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li F, Meindersma W, de Haan A B, Reith T (2004). Experimental validation of CFD mass transfer simulations in flat channels with non-woven net spacers. Journal of Membrane Science, 232(1–2): 19–30

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li J, Xu C, Ye J, Li E, Xu S, Huang M (2023). Enhanced anti-fouling of forward osmosis membrane by pulsatile flow operation in textile wastewater treatment. Desalination, 565: 116878

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li M, Bui T, Chao S (2016). Three-dimensional CFD analysis of hydrodynamics and concentration polarization in an industrial RO feed channel. Desalination, 397: 194–204

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li X, Wang X (2006). Modelling of membrane fouling in a submerged membrane bioreactor. Journal of Membrane Science, 278(1–2): 151–161

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li Y L, Tung K L (2008). CFD simulation of fluid. flow through spacer-filled membrane module: selecting suitable cell types for periodic boundary conditions. Desalination, 233(1–3): 351–358

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liang Y Y, Fimbres Weihs G A, Wiley D E (2020). Comparison of oscillating flow and slip velocity mass transfer enhancement in spacer-filled membrane channels: CFD analysis and validation. Journal of Membrane Science, 593: 117433

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liang Y Y, Fletcher D F (2023). Computational fluid dynamics simulation of forward osmosis (FO) membrane systems: methodology, state of art, challenges and opportunities. Desalination, 549: 116359

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liang Y Y, Toh K Y, Fimbres Weihs G A (2019). 3D CFD study of the effect of multi-layer spacers on membrane performance under steady flow. Journal of Membrane Science, 580: 256–267

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lin W, Lei J, Wang Q, Wang X M, Huang X (2022a). Performance enhancement of spiral-wound reverse osmosis membrane elements with novel diagonal-flow feed channels. Desalination, 523: 115447

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lin W, Li D, Wang Q, Wang X, Huang X (2023). Dynamic evolution of membrane biofouling in feed channels affected by spacer-membrane clearance and the induced hydrodynamic conditions. Journal of Membrane Science, 668: 121209

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lin W, Shao R, Wang X, Huang X (2020). Impacts of non-uniform filament feed spacers characteristics on the hydraulic and anti-fouling performances in the spacer-filled membrane channels: experiment and numerical simulation. Water Research, 185: 116251

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lin W, Wang Q, Sun L, Wang D, Cabrera J, Li D, Hu L, Jiang G, Wang X, Huang X (2022b). The critical role of feed spacer channel porosity in membrane biofouling: insights and implications. Journal of Membrane Science, 649: 120395

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lin W, Zhang Y, Li D, Wang X, Huang X (2021). Roles and performance enhancement of feed spacer in spiral wound membrane modules for water treatment: a 20-year review on research evolvement. Water Research, 198: 117146

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lohaus J, Perez Y M, Wessling M (2018). What are the microscopic events of colloidal membrane fouling? Journal of Membrane Science, 553: 90–98

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lorente E, Haponska M, Clavero E, Torras C, Salvado J (2018). Steam explosion and vibrating membrane filtration to improve the processing cost of microalgae cell disruption and fractionation. Processes, 6(4): 28

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luo J, Li M, Heng Y (2020). A hybrid modeling approach for optimal design of non-woven membrane channels in brackish water reverse osmosis process with high-throughput computation. Desalination, 489: 114463

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Luo L W, Wu Y H, Chen G Q, Wang H B, Wang Y H, Tong X, Bai Y, Xu Y Q, Zhang Z W, Ikuno N, et al. (2022). Chlorine-resistant bacteria (CRB) in the reverse osmosis system for wastewater reclamation: isolation, identification and membrane fouling mechanisms. Water Research, 209: 117966

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ma C, Liu Y, Li F, Shen C, Huang M, Wang Z, Cao C, Zhou Q, Sheng Y, Sand W (2019). CFD simulations of fiber-fiber interaction in a hollow fiber membrane bundle: fiber distance and position matters. Separation and Purification Technology, 209: 707–713

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mao W, Zou X, Guo Z, Sun S, Ma S, Lyv S, Xiao Y, Ji X, Wang Y (2021). Numerical simulations of calcium sulphate scaling in full-scale brackish water reverse osmosis pressure vessels using computational fluid dynamics. Membranes, 11(7): 521

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mat Nawi N I, Mohd Lazis A, Rahma A, Elma M, Bilad M R, Md Nordin N A H, Wirzal M D H, Shamsuddin N, Suhaimi H, Yusof N (2022). A rotary spacer system for energy-efficient membrane fouling control in oil/water emulsion filtration. Membranes, 12(6): 554

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McDonogh R, Schaule G, Flemming H C (1994). The permeability of biofouling layers on membranes. Journal of Membrane Science, 87(1–2): 199–217

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mohan T R, Mohan Kumar M S, Rao L (2022). Biofouling of hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes: a novel multiphase CFD-Porous-CES model and experimental study. Journal of Membrane Science, 663: 121034

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mokhtar I E, Gurreri L, Tamburini A, Cipollina A, Ciofalo M, Bouguecha S, Micale G (2021). CFD prediction of flow, heat and mass transfer in woven spacer-filled channels for membrane processes. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 173: 121246

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Monod J (1941). Growth of bacterial populations in function of concentration of a hydrocarbon diet. Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires Sciences, 212: 771–773

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Movahedi H, Jamshidi S (2022). New insight into hydrodynamic and cake erosion mechanism during rotating-disk dynamic microfiltration of concentrated bentonite suspensions at different salinity conditions. Separation and Purification Technology, 300: 121844

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Najid N, Hakizimana J N, Kouzbour S, Gourich B, Ruiz-García A, Vial C, Stiriba Y, Semiat R (2022). Fouling control and modeling in reverse osmosis for seawater desalination: a review. Computers & Chemical Engineering, 162: 107794

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Naskar M, Rana K, Chatterjee D, Dhara T, Sultana R, Sarkar D (2019). Design, performance characterization and hydrodynamic modeling of intermeshed spinning basket membrane (ISBM) module. Chemical Engineering Science, 206: 446–462

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ndinisa N V, Wiley D E, Fletcher D F (2005). Computational fluid dynamics simulations of taylor bubbles in tubular membranes: model validation and application to laminar flow systems. Chemical Engineering Research & Design, 83(1): 40–49

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Olivera-Nappa A, Picioreanu C, Asenjo J A (2010). Non-homogeneous biofilm modeling applied to bioleaching processes. Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 106(4): 660–676

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Park H G, Cho S G, Kim K J, Kwon Y N (2016). Effect of feed spacer thickness on the fouling behavior in reverse osmosis process: a pilot scale study. Desalination, 379: 155–163

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Park J E, Kang T G, Moon H (2023). The effect of the rotating disk geometry on the flow and flux enhancement in a dynamic filtration system. Membranes, 13(3): 291

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Park S, Jeong Y D, Lee J H, Kim J, Jeong K, Cho K H (2021). 3D printed honeycomb-shaped feed channel spacer for membrane fouling mitigation in nanofiltration. Journal of Membrane Science, 620: 118665

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Petrosino F, De Luca G, Curcio S, Wickramasinghe S R, Chakraborty S (2023). Micro-CFD modelling of ultrafiltration bio-fouling. Separation Science and Technology, 58(1): 131–140

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Picioreanu C, Blauert F, Horn H, Wagner M (2018). Determination of mechanical properties of biofilms by modelling the deformation measured using optical coherence tomography. Water Research, 145: 588–598

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Picioreanu C, Kreft J U, Van Loosdrecht M C M (2004). Particle-based multidimensional multispecies biofilm model. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 70(5): 3024–3040

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Picioreanu C, van Loosdrecht M C, Heijnen J J (1998a). Mathematical modeling of biofilm structure with a hybrid differential-discrete cellular automaton approach. Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 58(1): 101–116

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Picioreanu C, van Loosdrecht M C, Heijnen J J (1998b). A new combined differential-discrete cellular automaton approach for biofilm modeling: application for growth in gel beads. Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 57(6): 718–731

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Picioreanu C, van Loosdrecht M C, Heijnen J J (2001). Two-dimensional model of biofilm detachment caused by internal stress from liquid flow. Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 72(2): 205–218

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Picioreanu C, Vrouwenvelder J S, van Loosdrecht M C M (2009). Three-dimensional modeling of biofouling and fluid dynamics in feed spacer channels of membrane devices. Journal of Membrane Science, 345(1–2): 340–354

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pinilla A, Berrio J C, Guerrero E, Valdés J P, Becerra D, Pico P, Vargas L, Madsen S, Bentzen T R, Ratkovich N (2020). CFD modelling of the hydrodynamics in a filtration unit with rotating membranes. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 36: 101368

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Piyadasa C, Ridgway H F, Yeager T R, Stewart M B, Pelekani C, Gray S R, Orbell J D (2017). The application of electromagnetic fields to the control of the scaling and biofouling of reverse osmosis membranes: a review. Desalination, 418: 19–34

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Prakash N, Chaudhuri A, Das S P (2023). Numerical modelling and analysis of concentration polarization and scaling of gypsum over RO membrane during seawater desalination. Chemical Engineering Research & Design, 190: 497–507

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Puderbach V, Schmidt K, Antonyuk S (2021). A coupled CFD-DEM model for resolved simulation of filter cake formation during solid-liquid separation. Processes, 9(5): 826

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Qamar A, Bucs S, Picioreanu C, Vrouwenvelder J, Ghaffour N (2019). Hydrodynamic flow transition dynamics in a spacer filled filtration channel using direct numerical simulation. Journal of Membrane Science, 590: 117264

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Qamar A, Kerdi S, Ali S M, Shon H K, Vrouwenvelder J S, Ghaffour N (2021). Novel hole-pillar spacer design for improved hydrodynamics and biofouling mitigation in membrane filtration. Scientific Reports, 11(1): 6979

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Radoniqi F, Zhang H, Bardliving C L, Shamlou P, Coffman J (2018). Computational fluid dynamic modeling of alternating tangential flow filtration for perfusion cell culture. Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 115(11): 2751–2759

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Radu A I, Bergwerff L, van Loosdrecht M C M, Picioreanu C (2014a). A two-dimensional mechanistic model for scaling in spiral wound membrane systems. Chemical Engineering Journal, 241: 77–91

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Radu A I, Bergwerff L, van Loosdrecht M C M, Picioreanu C (2015). Combined biofouling and scaling in membrane feed channels: a new modeling approach. Biofouling, 31(1): 83–100

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Radu A I, van Steen M S H, Vrouwenvelder J S, van Loosdrecht M C M, Picioreanu C (2014b). Spacer geometry and particle deposition in spiral wound membrane feed channels. Water Research, 64: 160–176

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Radu A I, Vrouwenvelder J S, van Loosdrecht M C M, Picioreanu C (2010). Modeling the effect of biofilm formation on reverse osmosis performance: flux, feed channel pressure drop and solute passage. Journal of Membrane Science, 365(1–2): 1–15

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Radu A I, Vrouwenvelder J S, van Loosdrecht M C M, Picioreanu C (2012). Effect of flow velocity, substrate concentration and hydraulic cleaning on biofouling of reverse osmosis feed channels. Chemical Engineering Journal, 188: 30–39

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rahimi M, Madaeni S S, Abolhasani M, Alsairafi A A (2009). CFD and experimental studies of fouling of a microfiltration membrane. Chemical Engineering and Processing, 48(9): 1405–1413

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rahmawati R, Bilad M R, Nawi N I M, Wibisono Y, Suhaimi H, Shamsuddin N, Arahman N (2021). Engineered spacers for fouling mitigation in pressure driven membrane processes: progress and projection. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 9(5): 106285

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rajabzadeh A R, Moresoli C, Marcos B (2010). Fouling behavior of electroacidified soy protein extracts during cross-flow ultrafiltration using dynamic reversible-irreversible fouling resistances and CFD modeling. Journal of Membrane Science, 361(1–2): 191–205

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ruiz-García A, de la Nuez Pestana I (2019). Feed spacer geometries and permeability coefficients: effect on the performance in BWRO spriral-wound membrane modules. Water, 11(1): 152

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sablani S, Goosen M, Al-Belushi R, Wilf M (2001). Concentration polarization in ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis: a critical review. Desalination, 141(3): 269–289

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Saeed A, Vuthaluru R, Yang Y, Vuthaluru H B (2012). Effect of feed spacer arrangement on flow dynamics through spacer filled membranes. Desalination, 285: 163–169

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Salama A, Zoubeik M, Henni A, Ng K T W, Ibrahim H (2020). On the design of sustainable antifouling system for the crossflow filtration of oily water systems: a multicontinuum and CFD investigation of the periodic feed pressure technique. Science of the Total Environment, 698: 134288

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Saur T, Morin E, Habouzit F, Bernet N, Escudié R (2017). Impact of wall shear stress on initial bacterial adhesion in rotating annular reactor. PLoS One, 12(2): e0172113

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schausberger P, Norazman N, Li H, Chen V, Friedl A (2009). Simulation of protein ultrafiltration using CFD: comparison of concentration polarisation and fouling effects with filtration and protein adsorption experiments. Journal of Membrane Science, 337(1–2): 1–8

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schock G, Miquel A (1987). Mass transfer and pressure loss in spiral wound modules. Desalination, 64: 339–352

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schwinge J, Wiley D E, Fane A G (2004). Novel spacer design improves observed flux. Journal of Membrane Science, 229(1–2): 53–61

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schwinge J, Wiley D E, Fletcher D F (2002a). Simulation of the flow around spacer filaments between channel walls. 2. Mass-transfer enhancement. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 41(19): 4879–4888

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schwinge J, Wiley D E, Fletcher D F (2002b). Simulation of the flow around spacer filaments between narrow channel walls. 1. Hydrodynamics. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 41(12): 2977–2987

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Senthilmurugan S, Ahluwalia A, Gupta S K (2005). Modeling of a spiral-wound module and estimation of model parameters using numerical techniques. Desalination, 173(3): 269–286

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shakaib M, Hasani S M F, Mahmood M (2007). Study on the effects of spacer geometry in membrane feed channels using three-dimensional computational flow modeling. Journal of Membrane Science, 297(1–2): 74–89

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shang C, Pranantyo D, Zhang S (2020a). Understanding the roughness-fouling relationship in reverse osmosis: mechanism and implications. Environmental Science & Technology, 54(8): 5288–5296

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shang C, Wang L, Xia J, Zhang S (2020b). Macropatterning of microcrumpled nanofiltration membranes by spacer imprinting for low-scaling desalination. Environmental Science & Technology, 54(23): 15527–15533

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shang C, Xia J, Sun L, Lipscomb G G, Zhang S (2022a). Concentration polarization on surface patterned membranes. AIChE Journal. American Institute of Chemical Engineers, 68(12): e17832

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shang W, Li X, Liu W, Yue S, Li M, von Eiff D, Sun F, An A K (2021). Effective suppression of concentration polarization by nanofiltration membrane surface pattern manipulation: numerical modeling based on LIF visualization. Journal of Membrane Science, 622: 119021

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shang W, Yang S, Liu W, Wong P W, Wang R, Li X, Sheng G, Lau W, An A K, Sun F (2022b). Understanding the influence of hydraulic conditions on colloidal fouling development by using the micro-patterned nanofiltration membrane: experiments and numerical simulation. Journal of Membrane Science, 654: 120559

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sheikholeslami R, Ong H W K (2003). Kinetics and thermodynamics of calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate at salinities up to 1.5 M. Desalination, Desalination and the Environment, 157(1): 217–234

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singh C P, Yadav A, Kumar A (2022). Numerical simulations of the effect of spacer filament geometry and orientation on the performance of the reverse osmosis process. Colloids and Surfaces. A, Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 650: 129664

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sioutopoulos D C, Karabelas A J (2012). Correlation of organic fouling resistances in RO and UF membrane filtration under constant flux and constant pressure. Journal of Membrane Science, 407–408: 34–46

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sitaraman H, Battiato I (2022). Impact of large-scale effects on mass transfer and concentration polarization in reverse osmosis membrane systems. Separation and Purification Technology, 303: 122121

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Su X, Li W, Palazzolo A, Ahmed S (2018). Concentration polarization and permeate flux variation in a vibration enhanced reverse osmosis membrane module. Desalination, 433: 75–88

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Su X, Li W, Palazzolo A, Ahmed S (2019). Permeate flux increase by colloidal fouling control in a vibration enhanced reverse osmosis membrane desalination system. Desalination, 453: 22–36

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sutariya B, Sargaonkar A, Markam B K, Raval H (2022). 3D CFD study and optimisation of static mixer type feed spacer for reverse osmosis. Chemical Engineering Journal Advances, 11: 100335

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sweity A, Oren Y, Ronen Z, Herzberg M (2013). The influence of antiscalants on biofouling of RO membranes in seawater desalination. Water Research, 47(10): 3389–3398

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tan Y Z, Mao Z, Zhang Y, Tan W S, Chong T H, Wu B, Chew J W (2019). Enhancing fouling mitigation of submerged flat-sheet membranes by vibrating 3D-spacers. Separation and Purification Technology, 215: 70–80

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thompson J, Lin N, Lyster E, Arbel R, Knoell T, Gilron J, Cohen Y (2012). RO membrane mineral scaling in the presence of a biofilm. Journal of Membrane Science, 415–416: 181–191

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Toh K Y, Liang Y Y, Lau W J, Fimbres Weihs G A (2020). 3D CFD study on hydrodynamics and mass transfer phenomena for SWM feed spacer with different floating characteristics. Chemical Engineering Research & Design, 159: 36–46

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tsai H Y, Huang A, Soesanto J F, Luo Y L, Hsu T Y, Chen C H, Hwang K J, Ho CD, Tung K L (2019). 3D printing design of turbulence promoters in a cross-flow microfiltration system for fine particles removal. Journal of Membrane Science 573: 647–656.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Uppu A, Chaudhuri A, Das S P, Prakash N (2020). CFD modeling of gypsum scaling in cross-flow RO filters using moments of particle population balance. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 8(5): 104151

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Uppu A, Chaudhuri A, Prasad Das S (2019). Numerical modeling of particulate fouling and cake-enhanced concentration polarization in roto-dynamic reverse osmosis filtration systems. Desalination, 468: 114053

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vrouwenvelder J S, Graf von der Schulenburg D A, Kruithof J C, Johns M L, van Loosdrecht M C M (2009a). Biofouling of spiral-wound nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes: a feed spacer problem. Water Research, 43(3): 583–594

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vrouwenvelder J S, Hinrichs C, van de Meer W G J, van Loosdrecht M C M, Kruithof J C (2009b). Pressure drop increase by biofilm accumulation in spiral wound RO and NF membrane systems: role of substrate concentration, flow velocity, substrate load and flow direction. Biofouling, 25(6): 543–555

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vrouwenvelder J S, van Paassen J A M, van Agtmaal J M C, van Loosdrecht M C M, Kruithof J C (2009c). A critical flux to avoid biofouling of spiral wound nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes: fact or fiction? Journal of Membrane Science, 326(1): 36–44

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang H, Sodagari M, Ju L K, Zhang Newby B (2013). Effects of shear on initial bacterial attachment in slow flowing systems. Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces, 109: 32–39

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang Q, Lin W, Chou S, Dai P, Huang X (2023). Patterned membranes for improving hydrodynamic properties and mitigating membrane fouling in water treatment: a review. Water Research, 236: 119943

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wei W, Zou X, Ji X, Zhou R, Zhao K, Wang Y (2021). Analysis of concentration polarisation in full-size spiral wound reverse osmosis membranes using computational fluid dynamics. Membranes, 11(5): 353

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Won Y J, Jung S Y, Jang J H, Lee J W, Chae H R, Choi D C, Hyun Ahn K, Lee C H, Park P K (2016). Correlation of membrane fouling with topography of patterned membranes for water treatment. Journal of Membrane Science, 498: 14–19

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wu R M, Lin Y J (2012). Tubular membrane filtration with a side stream and its intermittent backwash operation. Separation Science and Technology, 47(12): 1689–1697

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xie P, Murdoch L C, Ladner D A (2014). Hydrodynamics of sinusoidal spacers for improved reverse osmosis performance. Journal of Membrane Science, 453: 92–99

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xie P, Murdoch L C, Ladner D A (2019). Mitigating membrane fouling with sinusoidal spacers. Desalination and Water Treatment, 168: 56–64

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xie X, Le Men C, Dietrich N, Schmitz P, Fillaudeau L (2018). Local hydrodynamic investigation by PIV and CFD within a Dynamic filtration unit under laminar flow. Separation and Purification Technology, 198: 38–51

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang S, Shang W, Shi H, Sun F, Zeng H (2023). Development of an automatic and object-oriented method for spacer design in the spiral wound nanofiltration modules to comprehensively enhance filtration performance. Desalination, 566: 116945

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zamani F, Law A W K, Fane A G (2013). Hydrodynamic analysis of vibrating hollow fibre membranes. Journal of Membrane Science, 429: 304–312

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang T, Klapper I (2010). Mathematical model of biofilm induced calcite precipitation. Water Science and Technology, 61(11): 2957–2964

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang W, Liang W, Xie X (2022). Computational fluid dynamic simulation for hydrodynamic shear enhanced filtration in multiple shaft disk filtration system. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 49: 103165

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao Z, Ilyas A, Muylaert K, Vankelecom I F J (2020). Optimization of patterned polysulfone membranes for microalgae harvesting. Bioresource Technology, 309: 123367

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao Z, Muylaert K, Szymczyk A, Vankelecom I F J (2021). Harvesting microalgal biomass using negatively charged polysulfone patterned membranes: influence of pattern shapes and mechanism of fouling mitigation. Water Research, 188: 116530

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou Z, Ling B, Battiato I, Husson S M, Ladner D A (2021). Concentration polarization over reverse osmosis membranes with engineered surface features. Journal of Membrane Science, 617: 118199

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhuang L, Dai G, Xu Z L (2018). Three-dimensional simulation of the time-dependent fluid flow and fouling behavior in an industrial hollow fiber membrane module. AIChE Journal. American Institute of Chemical Engineers, 64(7): 2655–2669

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zoubeik M, Salama A, Henni A (2018). A novel antifouling technique for the crossflow filtration using porous membranes: experimental and CFD investigations of the periodic feed pressure technique. Water Research, 146: 159–176

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This research was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 52270076) and the China Baowu Low Carbon Metallurgy Innovation Foundation (No. BWLCF202105).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Huaqiang Chu.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interests The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Additional information

Highlights

• The numerical realization method of the membrane permeation process is summarized.

• Biofouling, scaling and colloidal particle fouling models are detailed presented.

• Representative CFD-aided simulations of anti-fouling strategies are described.

Supplementary Material

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Miao, S., Ma, J., Zhou, X. et al. A review of CFD simulation in pressure driven membrane with fouling model and anti-fouling strategy. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng. 18, 93 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-024-1853-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-024-1853-y

Keywords

Navigation