CFD simulation for separation of ion from wastewater in a membrane contactor

Abstract A novel model is developed to simulate ions transport through porous media. The model is built upon deriving mass and momentum transfer equations for solute in all phases including feed, solvent, and membrane. Computational fluid dynamic method is used for discretization of differential equations in steady-state condition. The flow behavior in the extractor is modeled through numerical solution of the Navier-Stokes equations by finite element method. The simulation results are shown in terms of velocity profile, pressure, and solute concentration. Moreover, the modeling findings for the extraction of rubidium were compared with the experimental data in order to validate the developed model.