Modeling and simulation for design and analysis of membrane-based separation processes

ABSTRACT Accurate and reliable mathematical models play a key role in membrane system design. Process simulators have been proven to be successful in modeling, simulate, and optimize various industrial processes. Most of the commercial simulators can be used to solve mathematical models based on membrane applications. The present review is discussing the various process simulators such as Aspen Plus®, CHEMCAD®, gPROMS®, Hysys®, PRO/II®, ROSA®, SuperPro Designer® with relevance to the membrane-based processes and system design. The benefits of these tools, customization using ACM®, MATLAB® for rigorous modeling, simulation, and optimization, were discussed. Interfacing among simulators using CAPE-OPEN was briefed. State-of-the-art simulation for pervaporation, membrane distillation, membrane filtration, membrane reactors, and membrane-based gas separations with a special focus on CO2 capture was reviewed. The review is also discussed open-source and commercially developed applications, along with challenges and prospects. Finally, the review covered various mathematical tools usage in membrane system design.