3D CFD Analysis of Geometrical Design Impact on Hydrodynamic Performance in Hollow Fiber Membrane Contactors

Hollow fiber membrane contactors (HFMCs) for degasification offer several advantages, including compact design, reduced power consumption, and higher mass transfer rate compared to conventional technologies. These characteristics make HFMCs an ideal choice for applications such as ultrapure water production and wastewater treatment, where the removal of even trace amounts of dissolved gases is critical. In this study, we conducted 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to explore the impact of geometric features on HFMC hydrodynamic performance. A scaled-down version of a commercial module (3 M-Liqui-Cel^™) was used, preserving the actual dimensions and spacing of the hollow fiber membranes. Four different configurations were considered in the simulations based on the presence of a baffle and variations in the size and arrangement of liquid distributors. Analyses of fluid motion and pressure drop indicated that designs with larger distributors and internal baffles may reduce stagnation zones and promote more uniform flow distribution. At higher velocities, multiple recirculation areas were observed within the domain, with the size and volume of these zones varying across the different designs. These enhancements, driven by velocity fluctuations, vortex formation, and eddies, could potentially lead to higher mass transfer rates, especially at elevated flow rates. Additionally, the swirling arrangement of distributor holes in varied sizes yielded the lowest pressure drop for all flow rates studied, offering benefits in reduced energy consumption and increased operational efficiency. Our simulation results highlight the potential of optimized distributor hole sizes and patterns to enhance flow mixing and minimize pressure drop.