Mechanisms for scale formation in simultaneous membrane distillation crystallization: Effect of flow rate

The present study aims to elucidate the crystallization mechanisms in simultaneous membrane distillation crystallization (MDCr), which is an innovative technology to control problems related to scale formation under high recovery conditions. Experiments were performed in a laboratory-scale MDCr system using hydrophobic hollow fiber membranes. The dominant mechanisms of scale formation was experimentally determined. Results showed that the intermediate flow rate results the lowest fouling propensity. Flux decline occurred by both surface and bulk crystallization at low flow rates and by rapid bulk crystallization due to the secondary nucleation at high flow rates.

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