Evaluation of a mathematical model using experimental data and artificial neural network for prediction of gas separation

In recent times, membranes have found wide applications in gas separation processes. As most of the industrial membrane separation units use hollow fiber modules, having a proper model for simulating this type of membrane module is very useful in achieving guidelines for design and characterization of membrane separation units. In this study, a model based on Coker, Freeman, and Fleming's study was used for estimating the required membrane area. This model could simulate a multicomponent gas mixture separation by solving the governing differential mass balance equations with numerical methods. Results of the model were validated using some binary and multicomponent experimental data from the literature. Also, the artificial neural network (ANN) technique was applied to predict membrane gas separation behavior and the results of the ANN simulation were compared with the simulation results of the model and the experimental data. Good consistency between these results shows that ANN method can be successfully used for prediction of the separation behavior after suitable training of the network.