DIFFUSIVE TRANSPORT ACROSS UNCONFINED HOLLOW-FIBER MEMBRANES

The mass transfer characteristics of gas permeable, hollow fiber membr anes in a liquid jet mixed reactor are studied. A membrane module, ope rated in the sealed-end mode, was pressurized with oxygen at the base of the fibers and centered within a submerged jet discharge. Unlike co nventional membrane module designs, this configuration did not have th e hollow fibers enclosed within a tubular shell. The membranes were un confined and free to move within the generated flow field. This design is especially well suited for use in waters containing high solid con centrations. The membranes have a greater degree of freedom for moveme nt and are therefore less likely to become fouled due to solids being lodged within the fiber bundle. Mass transfer rates were measured over a practical range of physical and process parameters. A mass transfer correlation for the unconfined configuration is presented and the tra nsfer performance of this configuration is compared with conventional membrane contactor designs.