CFD analysis of the initial stages of particle deposition in spiral-wound membrane modules

Particle deposition in a spiral-wound membrane module was simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A scheme similar to the Eulerian–Lagrangian numerical method was adopted for the two-phase flow simulation. The effect of curvature on particle transport in four spacer-filled channel configurations with permeable membrane surfaces was analyzed by considering the fluid drag, body force and lift force exerted on the particles. The numerical results showed that there are inherent changes in the particle deposition profile in the spacer-filled channel due to variations in curvature. Comparing the particle deposition profiles and deposition ratios for submerged, zigzag, i-cavity and o-cavity spacer-filled channels showed that, for a given feed velocity and permeation rate, the zigzag-type spacer is best at decreasing the influence of curvature and preventing particle fouling on the membrane. A microscopic understanding derived from the CFD analysis could improve module design and enhance membrane module performance.

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► Particle deposition in a spiral-wound module was simulated using CFD.
► The Eulerian–Lagrangian method was adopted for the two-phase flow simulation.
► The zigzag spacer can mitigate particle deposition and the influence of curvature.