The mathematical modeling for predicting permeate flux in direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) modules with inserting 3D printed turbulence promoters were developed theoretically and experimentally. The turbulence promoter was implemented into the flow channel of the DCMD device to increase the eddy of the flow stream, and thus the permeate flux is considerably enhanced compared to that of the device with an empty channel. The correlated equation of Nusselt number was investigated by implementing 3D printed turbulence promoters with experimental data to predict the heat transfer coefficient for the DCMD module. The experimental results validated the theoretical predictions of permeate flux enhancement, and the temperature distributions were represented with the volumetric flow rate and inlet saline temperature as parameters. There were three dimensions, and two configurations of circular turbulence promoters were welded in the experimental works. The purposes of this study are (1) to study the effects of various operating parameters on the permeate flux enhancement; (2) to develop a one-dimensional mathematical model for predicting the permeate flux in DCMD modules by inserting the 3D printed turbulence promoter in the flow channel.
