Theoretical and Experimental Studies of CO Absorption in Double-Unit Flat-Plate Membrane Contactors.

Theoretical predictions of carbon dioxide absorption flux were analyzed by developing one-dimensional mathematical modeling using the chemical absorption theory based on mass-transfer resistances in series. The CO absorption into monoethanolamine (MEA) solutions was treated as chemical absorption, accompanied by a large equilibrium constant. The experimental work of the CO absorption flux using MEA solution was conducted in double-unit flat-plate membrane contactors with embedded 3D turbulence promoters under various absorbent flow rates, CO feed flow rates, and inlet CO concentrations in the gas feed stream for both concurrent and countercurrent flow operations.

Enhancing the Permeate Flux of Direct Contact Membrane Distillation Modules with Inserting 3D Printing Turbulence Promoters.

Two geometric shape turbulence promoters (circular and square of same areas) of different array patterns using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology were designed for direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) modules in the present study. The DCMD device was performed at middle temperature operation (about 45 °C to 60 °C) of hot inlet saline water associated with a constant temperature of inlet cold stream. Attempts to reduce the disadvantageous temperature polarization effect were made inserting the 3D turbulence promoters to promote both the mass and heat transfer characteristics in improving pure water productivity.