Pore-Level Multiphase Simulations of Realistic Distillation Membranes for Water Desalination

Abstract

Membrane distillation (MD) is a thermally driven separation process that is operated below boiling point. Since the performance of MD modules is still comparatively low, current research aims to improve the understanding of the membrane structure and its underlying mechanisms at the pore level. Based on existing realistic 3D membrane geometries (up to 0.5 billion voxels with 39nm resolution) obtained from ptychographic X-ray computed tomography, the D3Q27 lattice Boltzmann (LB) method was used to investigate the interaction of the liquid and gaseous phase with the porous membrane material. In particular, the Shan and Chen multi-phase model was used to simulate multi-phase flow at the pore level. We investigated the liquid entry pressure of different membrane samples and analysed the influence of different micropillar structures on the Wenzel and Cassie–Baxter state of water droplets on rough hydrophobic surfaces. Moreover, we calculated the liquid entry pressure required for entering the membrane pores and extracted realistic water contact surfaces for different membrane samples. The influence of the micropillars and flow on the water-membrane contact surface was investigated. Finally, we determined the air–water interface within a partially saturated membrane, finding that the droplet size and distribution correlated with the porosity of the membrane.

Ultrathin Aerogel Micro/Nanofiber Membranes with Hierarchical Cellular Architecture for High-Performance Warmth Retention

“…The descent of the PA6 solution occurs in the presence of water molecule clusters situated between the fibers. During this descent, the solution undergoes rapid spreading, facilitated by the rough surface of the fibers, following the Wenzel model. , This process leads to the precipitation and shaping of the PA6 liquid film as a result of water ingress. Subsequently, the PA6 nanofilm undergoes complete solidification through a hot air-drying process, culminating in the formation of CAMMs.…”

Alternatives to Antimicrobial Treatment in Bovine Mastitis Therapy: A Review

“…Other alternatives have included the use of probiotics [ 163 , 164 ], zeolites [ 165 , 166 ], cytokines [ 167 , 168 , 169 , 170 ], ozone [ 171 , 172 , 173 ], and aloe vera [ 174 , 175 ]. Zeolites are natural, microporous, three-dimensional crystalline materials with well-defined channels and cavities and various technological applications in veterinary medicine [ 176 , 177 ]. Moreover, a widely used zeolite is known as clinoptilolite, which has been proven as safe for veterinary use [ 178 ], acting as an antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-diarrheic, and growth-promoting agent [ 165 , 166 , 178 , 179 ].…”

A ‘turn‐off’ fluorescence sensor for selective Hg(II) based on phenothiazine derivative

“…Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) [24], inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) [25] atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) [26], atomic emission spectrometry (AES) [27], cold atomic fluorescence spectrometry [28], surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry (UV‐vis) [29], and electrochemical method [30] are methods used for Hg 2+ detection. Although these methods are sensitive, selective, and precise for Hg 2+ detection, most of them are sophisticated and time‐consuming.…”