膜科学与技术

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Analysis of flux distribution characteristics in
submerged hollow fiber membranes

Authors： GUAN Huanhuan1, WANG Li1, WEI Lai1, ZHONG Chongfang1, ZHANG Ying1, CHE Shujuan1, YU Kaichang1, HUANG Xia2

Units： 1. Beijing Bishuiyuan Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, China; 2. School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China

KeyWords： fluid mechanics; calculation model; CFD; flux distribution; permeation resistance

ClassificationCode：TQ028.8

year,volume(issue):pagination： 2026,46(1):48-55

Abstract：

The flux distribution characteristics are the core support for the transition of membrane materials from theory to application. By comprehensively applying three approaches - theoretical modeling, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental testing, this study investigated the flux distribution characteristics of submerged hollow fiber membranes, with the aim of providing a theoretical basis for the design, development and operation of membrane products.First, a simplified calculation model for the flux distribution inside membrane fibers was established based on fluid mechanics theory. Then, CFD was employed to obtain the pressure field distribution inside the fibers. Finally, experimental methods were used to measure the flux distribution within the fibers from three aspects: suction mode, average flux and permeation resistance.The results showed that the simplified calculation model was consistent with both CFD flow field simulations and experimental test results, confirming the model’s validity and demonstrating unified patterns and conclusions. The main findings include: Along the length of the membrane fiber, flux distribution was non-uniform during suction, and the local flux gradually decreased with increasing distance. Double-end suction was superior to single-end suction, and for the first time, CFD and experimental tests confirmed the existence of a “jump region” under double-end suction. Under identical conditions, ultrafiltration membranes with high permeation resistance (represented by PVDF material) exhibited better flux distribution uniformity compared to microfiltration membranes with low permeation resistance, though they also suffered from greater resistance loss.

Funds：

国家重点研发计划项目“城市污水高品质再生关键技术及装备”（2022YFC3203101）

AuthorIntro：

关欢欢（1991-），女，河北石家庄人，工程师，硕士研究生，主要研究方向为膜产品开发及污水处理

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