ABSTRACT
Among membrane contactors, hollow fiber contactor (HFC) stands ahead because of its many advantages including geometrical configuration with high surface area to volume ratio. But, HFC has not gained its technical maturity in industrial applications. Application of a new technology needs an in-depth understanding of process with a reliable mathematical model. Mathematical modeling using HFC can be broadly divided into two categories: resistances-in-series model, and conservation equation model. Resistance-in-series model considers resistances on for mass transfer, whereas conservation equation models consider axial as well as radial variation of fluid properties and that makes the model more complex. Therefore very few works are reported in this approach of modeling because of its complexities.
A rapid increase in computational capabilities enables us to handle more sophisticated complex models with minimum computational time. CFD based models gives better understanding of processes with spatial and temporal variations of variables. This technique can also handle systems involved with multiphysics. The effect of geometry on its separation performance can also be evaluated using CFD models. Overall, CFD based modeling brought a revolution in mathematical modeling. This chapter covers CFD based mass transfer modeling of NDSX and SLM separation processes using HFC.
