Hydraulic design optimization for hollow fiber filter system

An analytical model has been developed to describe hydraulic characteristics of a hollow fiber membrane filter (HFF) for condensate purification in BWR power plants. Using this model, a module structure was proposed to minimize pressure drop at the beginning of HFF operation. That is, given flow rate of a module, both dimensions of the inner diameter and the length of a single fiber membrane were designed to have optimal values, giving minimum volume for the module. The mechanism of Fe ion crystallization on HFF surface which determines operation life time was clarified and a countermeasure against it was developed. Precoating of amorphous iron crud effectively inhibited crystallization. Taking account of the crystallization, a simulation code was developed to predict pressure drop trend in the course of HFF operation. (author)