Modelling a membrane separation process
 

Hi,
I'm trying to simulate a membrane separation process. I'm thinking of using two fluid domains (feed and permeate) separated by a membrane through which there is a solution-dependant flux. The geometry I'm considering is rectangular. Can anyone give me some tips as to how to set up this problem in openFOAM?
Many thanks

Membrane separation
 

Hello,

I'm quite new to OpenFOAM, and I would really appreciate some pointers here.
I'm trying to solve a scalar transport equation (laminar for now) in a recatangulare domain separated in the middle by membrane. The type of fluid is the same above and below the membrane, only the concentration of the scalar is different (part of what is being solved for).
I was thinking of using a scalar transport solver similar to the one described in OpenFOAMWiki "How to add temperature to icoFoam". I managed to create the geometry using blockMesh (using a separate block for each of the two fluid regions), but when I tried to test with a (simplified) boundary condition that simulates the membrane (by defining a patch on the shared internal block face), blockMesh complained about the patch on the internal face.

So my question for now is: how do I create an internal patch on which I would later define a custom boundary condition?

Second, and more importantly, am I on the right track, or should I start from a different solver/tutorial?

Any help is really appreciated! :)

Hello sfalsharif,
the scalar transport solver that you suggest is certainly a good choice.
You should create two individual meshes for both sides of the membrane. Have a look at the chtMultiRegionFoam tutorial which demonstrates how to connect the two regions and how to define the boundary conditions (though for different physcis).
It is probably not possible to define your complete case including the membrane in one blockMeshDict.

Patricia

Hey, I'm dealing with the same issue. Membrane process modelling (membrane distillation process excatly) , and i 'm new with OpenFoam (Guess you're no longer new with it)
Any suggestions , instructions or directions that may help me with this matter ? thank you.

Hey Sabby,


There is a similar case here.


Using the scalar transport equation you could define the transport processes for the solute mass/ concentration in the solution which also affects the solution density, viscosity and diffusivity.


The solver keeps solving for the mass, momentum and the solute concentration