Using tracer methods and experimental design approach for examination of hydrodynamic conditions in membrane separation modules

The possibility of application of fluorescein and radioactive 99mTc as tracers for determination of residence time distribution of liquid phase and for diagnosing hydrodynamic conditions in apparatuses for membrane separation was studied. Two different ultrafiltration systems with diverse arrangement of liquid flow: the apparatus with helical flow generated by the movable element (inner cylinder) and the tubular module with cross flow filtration, were tested by the RTD technique. The tracer studies were supplemented with modelling. The optimal conditions enabling to handle the plug flow-like structure in the helical apparatus were determined. The minimum of dimensionless variance (vard) was obtained at P=0.765 bar, QR=121.88 l/h and Ω=2887.5 rpm. In spite of higher linear velocities attained in the tubular cross-flow module, the flow structure in the helical apparatus was more similar to the ideal plug flow pattern that was demonstrated by higher Peclet numbers and lower values of the dimensionless variance. Application of movable part and Couette–Taylor flow in the membrane apparatus may balance the advantages coming from high flow rates applied in cross-flow filtration systems minimising formation of the deposit on the membrane surface and reducing membrane fouling.

► Application of RTD method with modelling for testing the membrane modules. ► The use of generator isotope, as convenient tracer for the membrane modules studies. ► Application of RSM with experimental design for testing interactions between parameters. ► Assessment of the hydrodynamic conditions in two arrangements of the membrane modules. ► Demonstration of the advantage of dynamic filtration over the cross-flow arrangement.