membranedr
Mechanical
- Jan 20, 2011
- 7
thread136-211270
The fluid dynamics in a membrane module using feed spacers is very complicated. It is important to understand how the feed spacer is used. A misconception is that a feed spacer is a turbulence promotor. Without a feed spacer, the spiral membrane would not be able to operate, it determines the space between the membrane leaves, and keeps the opposing membrane leaves apart. The strands of the feed spacer are laying on top of each other, and form separate hydraulic channels, which cause flow over each membrane in the channel. You can get information of the feed spacers at the manufacturer of the netting and try to calculate the actual channel profiles. The channels are normally running in an approximate 45 degree angle over the membrane surface, so one can imagine the complexity of the path through a spiral wound element. Most membrane manufacturer should have technical individuals who have info on these construction details.
The fluid dynamics in a membrane module using feed spacers is very complicated. It is important to understand how the feed spacer is used. A misconception is that a feed spacer is a turbulence promotor. Without a feed spacer, the spiral membrane would not be able to operate, it determines the space between the membrane leaves, and keeps the opposing membrane leaves apart. The strands of the feed spacer are laying on top of each other, and form separate hydraulic channels, which cause flow over each membrane in the channel. You can get information of the feed spacers at the manufacturer of the netting and try to calculate the actual channel profiles. The channels are normally running in an approximate 45 degree angle over the membrane surface, so one can imagine the complexity of the path through a spiral wound element. Most membrane manufacturer should have technical individuals who have info on these construction details.
