Towards the technological maturity of membrane distillation: the MD module performance curve

Abstract Membrane distillation (MD) is constantly acknowledged in the research literature as a promising technology for future of desalination, with an increasing number studies reported year after year. However, real MD applications still lag behind only few pilot-plant tests worldwide. The lack transfer from academia to industry caused by important gaps between its fundamental basis and process design. Herein, we explore critical disconnections conducting coupled mass heat modeling simulations; use well-known equations model simulate flux over typical membrane different geometries, areas, operational conditions direct contact configuration. From analysis results, propose guidelines development strategies, construct module performance curve . this graph, permeate flow rate, thermal energy consumption outlet temperatures can be determined given feed inlet (temperature concentration). Comprehensive tools such good communication developers engineers are required accelerate bringing still-emerging status maturity level.