Investigation of shear-force distribution in the hollow fiber membrane module based on FBG sensing technology

摘要

Membrane fouling is the most critical problem associated with separations. Increasing the surface shear forces is a common physical method to slow down membrane fouling. In this study, it was described the extension of the Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensing technology for the in suit real-time measurement of shear-force distribution in the hollow fiber membrane module. The result shows that the distribution of shear forces caused by crossflow, aeration and hollow fiber spacings can be achieved by rationally arranging FBG. Besides, increasing the fiber spacing enhances the transfer of shear forces between the fibers. Moreover, by separately monitoring the shear component force of the extended X-axis and Y-axis caused by aeration, the shear forces distribution at different aeration rates can be mapped. As a whole, the investigation of spatial shear-force distribution and the use of FBG sensing technology would lay the foundation for optimizing membrane module design and structures.