Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Fouling phenomena are among the main issues in membrane processes, worsening unit performance and membrane properties. So far, few modelling approaches have been proposed to predict colloidal fouling in electromembrane-based technologies. This work presents an original simulation platform that couples computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with electrodialysis (ED) and colloidal fouling models to investigate the impact of colloidal deposition at the channel and unit scales of ED systems. Fluid dynamics, salt transport and fouling layer growth were all addressed. The model was calibrated and validated with colloidal fouling data from the literature. The regions more susceptible to fouling growth were identified. Polarization phenomena, as well as the increase in pressure losses and electrical resistance over time, were evaluated.
Source: Membranes
Institution: University of Palermo
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,654
Funder: European Commission
Awards: G1847592592, G4256129303, G7799207878
OpenAlex ID: W4417109349