A green membrane distillation system for seawater desalination: Response surface modelling and optimization

In this work, response surface methodology (RSM) was applied for modelling and optimization of operating parameters for water desalination by direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) system using cost effective and green ceramic hollow fibre membrane prepared from rice husk waste. Operating parameters including feed temperature, permeate temperature and feed flow rate were selected and the optimum parameters were determined for DCMD salt rejection. The developed model for permeate flux response was statistically validated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) which showed a high value coefficient of determination value (R2 = 0.9954). In this study, the obtained optimum operating parameters were found to be 70.15°C of feed temperature, 19.84°C permeate temperature and 0.58 LPM of feed flow rate.