Application of computational fluid dynamics technique in electrodialysis/reverse electrodialysis processes

Abstract

This Chapter treats the application of CFD technique in ED/RED processes. CFD simulations are able to predict flow and mass transfer in channels filled with spacers or membrane profiles, by providing dimensionless correlations useful for process models. At a larger scale, manifolds of the stack and inlet/ outlet zones of the channel can be simulated. Numerical models can include the computation of the electrical potential, thus characterizing the process performance. Direct numerical simulations can elucidate the complex phenomenology of overlimiting transport and of chaotic electrokinetic flows.