Simulation-Based Hollow Fiber Membrane Module Design for Membrane-Assisted Antisolvent Crystallization

Abstract

Membrane-assisted antisolvent crystallization (MAAC) is an innovative separation process that enables precise control of crystal morphology. The membrane packing density of the membrane module directly affects the crystallization solution mixing behavior and influences crystal morphology. Herein, through an integrated approach combining Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and MAAC experimental validation, this study systematically analyzes the fluid mixing behavior within membrane modules and the resulting crystal products under varying membrane packing densities. The experimental results demonstrate that, compared to the other two membrane modules with packing densities of 42.60 and 383.40 m²/m³, the optimally packed module (170.42 m²/m³) produces crystals with both larger particle sizes (>75 μm) and narrower size distribution (C.V. < 40%) across a broader range of shell side flow rates (36–60 mL/min). This study provides a potential tool to guide the design and optimization of membrane modules for the MAAC process.