Numerical Study of an Unsteady Confined Jet. Application to Crossflow Filtration

This paper deals with the influence of a new flow unsteadiness on the permeate flux in crossflow filtration. A pneumatically controlled valve generates intermittent jets from the main flow, leading to the formation of large vortices moving downstream along the tubular membrane. A numerical calculation of this flow is achieved using a finite difference scheme. Influences of tube diameter and jet velocities are discussed. Application of this technique is carried out by filtering a bentonite suspension through an ultrafiltration membrane.