Membrane thickness gradient of isoflux ceramic membrane based on CFD

Membrane thickness has significant effect on permeability of membrane. In this work the membrane thickness gradient of isoflux ceramic membrane was calculated with the Navier-Stokes and Darcy equations, which governed the bulk flow and the flow through the membrane, respectively. The specific resistance of porous medium was calculated by Konzey-Carmen equation. The results showed that the membrane thickness was approximately linear to the distance in axial direction. The cross-flow velocity had a significant influence on the membrane thickness gradient along the axial direction, so it is necessary to choose different membrane thickness gradient along the axial direction to obtain uniform trans-membrane pressure at different cross-flow velocity. The effects of pressure and temperature were relatively insignificant. The result of this study may provide guidance on membrane preparation and application.