Improvement of Desalination Productivity with Intermittent Impermeable Segments. Masters thesis, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.

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Arabic Abstract

تحسين إنتاجيه المياه المحلاه بإستخدام الترشيح المتقطع

English Abstract

This study explores a method to enhance productivity in membrane devices by incorporating intermittent impermeable segments within a spacer-free geometry for RO, NF, and UF applications. The model features a hybrid channel structure where a central impermeable segment of length β is seamlessly integrated between two standard membrane segments, each of length L. The productivity parameter, defined herein as economic flow (E, $/s), balances hydraulic losses with permeate production. Key parameters include segment lengths (L and β), inlet flow speed (Re), and permeate value (w, $/kg). Results show impact of single impermeable segment use on concentration polarization and permeate flux. Optimal segment lengths (β^*) are dependent upon Re and w. Such lengths increase monotonically with w, reflecting the growing importance of mitigating polarization as permeate value rises. For a channel length of 300 mm, at Re = 4.8, the optimal segment length peaked at β^*=160 mm for w>2×10^(-4) $/kg. Low Re values within the laminar range are necessary for effective use of impermeable segments, while higher values are not justified (β^*=0). Compared to a standard staggered-cylinder filament arrangement, our design achieves a 99.9% reduction in axial pressure drop for a 300-mm commercial channel at 0.5 m/s cross-flow, yielding an estimated $40 in annual savings. This configuration offers an alternative approach for advancing desalination towards greater efficiency and economic sustainability.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	Chemical Engineering
Department:	College of Chemicals and Materials > Chemical Engineering
Committee Advisor:	Chrystie, Robin
Committee Members:	Alsaifi, Nayef and Aljundi, Essam
Depositing User:	TALAL ALSHAMRANI (g202102150)
Date Deposited:	22 May 2025 11:35
Last Modified:	22 May 2025 11:35
URI:	http://eprints.kfupm.edu.sa/id/eprint/143436