Experimental investigation of the thermal performance of new flat membrane module designs for membrane distillation

Novel designs of a flat membrane module were realized by creating on the membrane surface specific patterns for the feed flow, with the aim to improve the heat transfer of the process by acting on the fluidodynamic of the hot stream. Their performance was, then, studied in Direct Contact Membrane Distillation (DCMD) tests by sending distilled water at different temperatures and flow rates. The investigated layouts were compared in terms of trans-membrane flux, permeate production, specific energy consumption, pressure drops, and the most effective design was identified.