Mathematical modelling of dextran filtration through hollow fibre membranes

In this paper we present a mathematical model of an ultrafiltration process. The results of the model are produced using standard numerical techniques with Comsol Multiphysics. The model describes the fluid flow and separation in hollow fibre membranes. The flow of solute and solvent within the hollow fibre is modelled by solving the Navier-Stokes equation along with the continuity equation for both the solute and the solvent.

The flux of solute and solvent through the membrane are given by the solution diffusion model, since ultrafiltration occurs at high rejections. For a given set of parameters describing the characteristics of the membrane, effect on the observed and the intrinsic rejection of the membrane are investigated for the different working parameters: inlet velocity, molecular weight, and transmembrane pressure.

Furthermore, the model investigates the effect of a concentration dependent viscosity. The model shows that both the observed and intrinsic rejection increase when the inlet velocity increases. Moreover, the intrinsic rejection increases as a function of transmembrane pressure, but the observed rejection has a characteristic maximum.

Therefore, the observed rejection can either increase or decrease as a function of pressure. The influence of a concentration dependent viscosity is to increase the concentration on the membrane surface. This leads to a decrease in both the observed and the intrinsic rejection, when compared to a constant viscosity.

For small values of the solute permeability the concentration dependent viscosity decreases the volumetric flux through the membrane at high pressures. This effect is due to a very high concentration at the membrane surface. The model is related to experimental data. There is a good qualitative and a reasonable quantitative agreement between simulations and experimental data.