The mathematical modeling for predicting permeate flux in a double-unit air gap membrane distillation (AGMD) module with inserting corrugated carbon fibers of various widths of carbon-fiber open slots were developed theoretically and experimentally. The carbon-fiber open slots implemented acting as an eddy promoter could not only increase the membrane stability for preventing from vibration but also enhance the permeate flux with temperature polarization effect decrement, and thus, resulting in a higher permeate flux as compared to that of the device with an empty channel. The correlated equation of Nusselt number was investigated implementing corrugated carbon-fiber open slots with experimental data to predict the heat transfer coefficient for the AGMD module. The theoretical predictions of permeate flux enhancement were represented graphically and validated by the experimental results within acceptable accuracy, and the temperature distributions were represented graphically with the volumetric flow rate and inlet saline temperature as parameters as well. The influences of operating and design parameters due to inserting corrugated carbon-fiber open slots in the new device on the permeate flux are also discussed.
