Thermal Performance of Integrated Direct Contact and Vacuum Membrane Distillation Units

An integrated membrane distillation (MD) flowsheet, consisting of direct contact (DCMD) and vacuum (VMD) units, was proposed analysed in terms thermal performance water recovery factor, for the first time. The same lab-scale module (40 cm2) used carrying out experiments DCMD VMD at fixed feed operating conditions (deionised 230 L/h ~40 °C) while working permeate side with deionised 18 °C a 20 mbar configuration, respectively. Based on experimental data obtained single modules, calculations production, specific energy consumption (STEC) gained output ratio (GOR) were carried both units. Moreover, also made flow sheet two units series, representing “traditional” way which more MD configuration are combined to enhance factor. A significant improvement (lower STEC higher GOR) DCMD–VMD flowsheet respect series. integration led production productivity/size (PS) ratio, metric defined compare plants process intensification strategy.