Numerical Study of the Efficiency of Multi-Layer Membrane Filtration in Desalination Processes

Multi-layer membrane filtration is a widely used technology for separating and purifying different components of a liquid mixture. This technique involves passing the liquid mixture through a series of membranes with decreasing pore sizes, which allows for the separation of different components according to their molecular size. This study investigates the filtration process of a fluid through a two-dimensional porous medium designed for seawater desalination. The focus is on understanding the impact of various parameters such as the coefficient of friction, velocity, and the number of layers on filtration efficiency. The results reveal that the number of layers plays a crucial role in desalination, with an increase in layers leading to enhanced filtration quality, following a power law relationship. The study explores the influence of the coefficient of friction on filtration performance, emphasizing its significant effect on the number of particles filtered over time. Additionally, the role of the initial velocity in filtration efficiency is examined, showing distinct effects at both high and low velocities. Biofouling is identified as a factor influencing filtration, with an initial increase in filtered particles followed by a decline due to particle accumulation in pores.