Modelling Connectivity and Asymmetry in Membrane Filters

In this work, we use mathematical modeling to study the influence of a membrane's internal structure on its flow properties and adsorptive fouling behavior. Layered planar membrane structures with intra-layer connections are modeled. Comparisons between non-connected and connected models are presented. Additionally, the influence of spatial, in-plane, inhomogeneities on overall performance is modeled by adding noise perturbation to homogeneous membrane structures.Membrane performance is gauged via 1) the relative comparison of total throughput and flux evolution during filtration; and 2) control of concentration of foulants at membrane pore outlets.