What is the effect of calcium sulphate scaling on the performance of direct contact membrane distillation?4 answersCalcium sulfate scaling significantly impacts the performance of direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) systems, leading to a decline in water vapor flux and potential membrane wetting, which are critical challenges for the desalination process. The formation of calcium sulfate scales on the membrane surface and within its pores can drastically reduce the permeate flux, as demonstrated by a study where the permeate flux declined by more than 90% with increased concentrations of calcium and sulfate ions, highlighting the severity of scaling at higher ion concentrations. This scaling phenomenon is further exacerbated by the morphological changes in the membrane, where gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) crystals vary in shape from rod-shaped to broad rosette structures, covering the membrane surface and affecting its hydrophilicity.
Moreover, the comparison between gypsum and silica scaling in MD revealed that gypsum scaling, which includes calcium sulfate, causes an earlier decline in water flux and induces membrane wetting not observed with silica scaling. This is attributed to the crystallization pressure from rapid, oriented crystal growth of gypsum, leading to pore deformation and subsequent membrane wetting. The presence of carbon nanotubes in immobilized membranes has shown to improve antiscaling behavior, significantly reducing the normalized flux declination in environments with high concentrations of calcium sulfate. However, despite these advancements, calcium phosphate scaling, another form of mineral scaling, has been found to lower membrane hydrophobicity and result in flux decline and membrane wetting, indicating that different types of scaling can similarly affect membrane performance.
In summary, calcium sulfate scaling poses a significant threat to the efficiency and operational stability of DCMD systems by reducing water vapor flux, altering membrane morphology, and potentially leading to membrane wetting, which underscores the need for effective scaling mitigation strategies.
How can machin learning can solve scale up of membrane distillation?5 answersMachine learning models have been studied as a potential solution for predicting the performance of direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) modules and improving their scale-up. The use of machine learning models, such as artificial neural networks (ANN), support vector regression (SVR), and random forest (RF), has shown enhanced performance in terms of accuracy, trend predictability, and computational time compared to traditional mechanistic models. These machine learning models provide a simpler and more accurate approach for predicting the performance of DCMD modules, allowing for better optimization of operating conditions and improved water production and energy consumption. The feed flow temperature has been identified as the most influential parameter on permeate flux in the DCMD system. By utilizing machine learning models, the scale-up of membrane distillation can be better understood and optimized, leading to more efficient and effective water treatment processes.
What is the effect of green solvent uitization in membrane fabrication?5 answersThe utilization of green solvents in membrane fabrication has several positive effects. Green solvents, such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), triethyl phosphate (TEP), and Rhodiasolv® PolarClean (PolarClean) blended with gamma-valerolactone (GVL), offer a greener and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional solvents. These green solvents have been shown to improve the performance of membranes in terms of hydrophilicity, wettability, water flux, and rejection of contaminants. They also enhance the antifouling properties of membranes, reducing biofouling and improving flux recovery ratio. Additionally, the use of green solvents promotes the stability and durability of membranes, allowing them to maintain their performance even after prolonged immersion in water. Overall, the utilization of green solvents in membrane fabrication contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly membrane synthesis process.
What is the effect of temperature on membrane crystallization flux?4 answersThe effect of temperature on membrane crystallization flux varies depending on the specific system and conditions. In some cases, higher temperatures have a positive effect on the size and purity of the obtained crystals, leading to an increase in flux. However, in membrane distillation (MD), an increase in temperature can lead to a decline in flux due to factors such as concentration and temperature polarization, as well as crystal deposition and scale formation on the membrane. It is important to consider a reasonable temperature difference to achieve the highest rejection and control the mass flux of the product solution. Additionally, the feed temperature can affect the performance of membrane separation in desalination processes, with changes in water viscosity and membrane pore size potentially impacting permeate flux. Overall, the effect of temperature on membrane crystallization flux is influenced by various factors and should be carefully considered in each specific application.
What is the effect of addition of chitosan in Cellulose Acetate membrane on the pure water flux membrane?2 answersThe addition of chitosan in cellulose acetate membranes has been found to increase the pure water flux of the membrane. The presence of chitosan nanoparticles in the membrane resulted in a significant increase in water flux, with values reaching up to 18 L/m2.h. The increase in water flux was accompanied by an improvement in salt rejection, with values increasing from 89% to 94%. The enhanced water flux and salt rejection were attributed to the improved fouling resistance of the membrane due to the presence of chitosan nanoparticles. The addition of chitosan and metal oxides to polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membranes also led to an increase in water flux. The improved hydrophilicity of the modified membranes resulted in a reduction in contact angle and an increase in water flux. Overall, the addition of chitosan in cellulose acetate membranes has a positive effect on the pure water flux of the membrane.
What is scaling up?5 answersScaling up refers to the process of increasing the size or capacity of a system or process. It involves expanding the scope or magnitude of an operation to accommodate larger volumes or higher levels of performance. In the context of the abstracts provided, scaling up is discussed in various domains. In the aerospace industry, additive manufacturing is driving innovation in non-destructive testing, leading to the wider use of this technology. In the field of medicine, scaling up has resulted in the evolution of medical institutions and the establishment of national health systems, transforming the organization, financing, and delivery of medical care. In the context of knowledge sharing, scaling up has been achieved through the establishment of coordination groups and collaborative working to address gender equality and mainstreaming objectives in teaching and research. In the field of bioreactor design, scaling up involves maintaining proportional nutrient supply and addressing spatial heterogeneity to achieve consistent product performance.