Estimation of liquid entry pressure in hydrophobic membranes using CFD tools

An accurate LEP estimation with a high-resolution capillary effect monitoring strategy was achieved using the CFD tool. Pore throat geometry variation, θ, rs and L were all found to have a significant effect on LEP. Air-mixed layer formation was observed in the case of superhydrophobic membranes. Permeate-side vacuum resulted in earlier wetting, compared to atmospheric pressure outlet, but only for one pore geometry. The results of this work provide an insight for understanding the wetting progress through a membrane's micropore, enabling better mitigation of premature wetting in MD membranes.