Modelling of spiral-wound membrane for gas separation: current developments and future direction

Spiral-wound membrane has been widely used in gas separation applications, owing to its robustness and moderate packing density. To design, optimize, and scale up a spiral-wound membrane system, various numerical modelling approaches have been proposed and developed. However, a comprehensive review on the modelling of gas separation spiral-wound membrane is scarcely available. Therefore this chapter aims to highlight the capabilities, limitations, and suitability of various mathematical models for spiral-wound membrane in describing its applications for industrial gas separation. The reviewed numerical models were summarized as one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional mathematical models on the basis of the governing equations (mass, momentum, and energy balance equations) and membrane transport properties. This chapter also outlines the challenges and future directions in modelling and simulation of spiral-wound membrane for industrial applications in terms of multicomponent separation, effect of pressure drop in feed and permeate channel, and influence of heat transfer within the module. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.