A fully predictive mathematical model based on first principles of heat and
mass transfer as well as vapor-liquid equilibrium was developed for desali
nation application via tubular direct contact membrane distillation. The mo
del took into account the temperature and the effect of concentration polar
ization. The model's prediction in terms of distillate flux were validated
with previously published experimental data for such process parameters as
saline water and cooling water flow rates and temperatures, and feed salt c
oncentration. The model's results agreed well with previously published exp
erimental and theoretical work.