Investigation on the Effect of Non-Ideal Conditions in Modeling of Gas Separation Process by Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules

Hollow fiber membrane permeators due to their particular features have attracted attentions in the industry and especially for gas separation applications. Several mathematical models have been proposed by researchers for the analyzing and interpretation of this process as well as for gaining a better understanding of gas separation by means of asymmetric hollow fiber membrane modules. The most important index for the validity of the models is the accuracy of their predictions compared to the real conditions. Investigations indicate that considering non-ideal conditions in the mathematical models can lead to more accurate predictions. The aim of the present study is to investigate the extent and effect of several non-ideal conditions in the modeling of gas separation hollow fiber membrane modules. Accordingly, non-ideal conditions are being investigated in three categories of: non-ideal conditions related to the process, permeation through the membrane and those related to the membrane structure. Discussions in the present manuscript constitute an important step in process modeling toward improving predictions on the performance of hollow fiber membrane modules for gas separation applications