Monte Carlo simulation of pore blocking phenomena in cross-flow microfiltration

An off-lattice Monte Carlo method was developed to examine the pore blocking phenomena in cross-flow microfiltration. Membranes were generated by randomly distributed pores with a given pore size distribution on a two-dimensional plane. The permeability of particles through the membrane pores was calculated, and the effects of crucial factors on the reduction of permeability were discussed. Reasonable fouling rules for simulations were examined and selected. At the initial stage the flux decreases sharply as the filtration time increases and then a steady state is reached. The results fit the pore blocking mechanism well. The simulation model developed in this study can be effectively used for analyzing a number of factors influencing physical fouling of membranes.

Graphical abstractA Monte Carlo method was developed to simulate particle fouling on a cross-flow microfiltration membrane by using a reasonable size matching rule. Factors on membrane fouling during the processing are discussed by examining the normalize permeability of the particles through the membrane.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (88 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The decline of permeability caused by pore blocking was simulated in the present model. ► Membrane with a high porosity and narrow distribution is more effective to decrease pore blocking. ► The No. of particles passing, adsorbing, and sticking on the membrane pore can be predicted.