CFD modeling of permeate flux in cross-flow microfiltration membrane

In order to validate the CFD predictions, laboratory experiments were carried out using a commercial GVWP microfiltration membrane, supplied by Millipore Company. The results show that the CFD flux prediction is more accurate in comparison with a simple calculation, in which the average input-output pressures substituted for feed side pressure in the Darcy equation. The effect of transmembrane pressure and fluid mass flow rate on simple and CFD predictions were investigated. The higher performance of CFD prediction was obtained in lower transmembrane pressures.