Numerical Simulation of O2/N2 Separation Process for N2 Enrichment Based on Industrial Hollow-Fiber Membrane Module

In this paper, O 2/N2 separation quality of an industrial polyimide hollow-fiber membrane module, as the main part of separation unit, was simulated using CFD technique. Model accuracy is validated by comparing simulation results with the experimental data gained from an existing industrial hollow-fiber membrane separation unit to improve the model and quality of the air separation process for the production of N2 enrichment. In order to predict the membrane behavior for air separation, the model equations related to membrane, retentate and permeate side with the appropriate boundary conditions, were solved using finite element method. After model validation, the effects of feed flow rate, feed pressure on N2 enrichment were investigated in the polyimide hollow-fiber membrane module.

Keywords:

CFD , Hollow-fiber membrane , O2/N2 Separation , Air separation , Polyimide membrane.