Optimization of membrane gas separation process for separation of gas mixture of hydrogen and carbon dioxide
Kalassov N.B. Manatbaev R.K. Dzhonova D. Baizhuma Z.E.
5 September 2025Elsevier Ltd
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
2025#165
Clean hydrogen production depends on effective membrane-based purification by selectively removing carbon dioxide. However, gas-phase separation module designs still often neglect the negative impact of concentration polarization on performance. This study used validated CFD modeling with the k–ω turbulence model and a realistic permeable wall boundary condition to simulate turbulent flow and concentration polarization in H2/CO2 membrane channels across Reynolds numbers from 200 to 800. The results clarify how different spacer arrangements affect local flow structures, vortex generation, and tangential shear stress. The findings show that a linear centerline spacer configuration generates stable, symmetrical vortices that maintain higher near-wall velocities and more uniform shear stress, effectively disrupting the polarization boundary layer. This improves mass transfer and increases Sherwood numbers by up to 50 % compared to channels without spacers. Because the two-dimensional model uses a repeating unit of spacers, the results can be scaled to longer channels with fully developed flow, supporting preliminary engineering design for spiral-wound and plate-and-frame modules. These insights help close the gap between theoretical modeling and real hydrogen purification by providing practical design guidance on channel geometry and spacer placement. Future work will extend this approach to three-dimensional and transient conditions and include experimental validation of a membrane prototype to strengthen design recommendations for next-generation hydrogen systems.
Carbon dioxide , CFD , Hydrogen energy , Hydrogen production , Membrane bioreactor , Membrane technology , Purification , Turbulence modeling
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Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71a, Al-Farabi ave, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Institute of Chemical Engineering at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str. Bl.103, Sofia, 1113, Bulgaria
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Institute of Chemical Engineering at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
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