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Reynolds number (Re) has been previously related to several scaling mitigation and crystallisation strategies that offer distinct hypotheses for how Re may regulate the kinetics of nucleation and crystal growth in membrane crystallisation. Such ambiguity has arisen from the present inability to discretely characterise induction time in membrane systems. This study therefore introduces techniques for the detection of induction time, with measurements used to develop a modified power-law relation between nucleation rate and supersaturation to establish how Re can be used to adjust nucleation kinetics. Increasing Re enhanced mass and heat transfer processes which raised permeate flux. The interfacial supersaturation set by the increase in flux, also modified the supersaturation rate at induction for crystals formed in the bulk solution, providing the first direct evidence that it is the supersaturation level set within the boundary layer which controls primary nucleation in the bulk solution. Bulk nucleation rate can therefore be adjusted in proportion to Re. While the extent of scaling was also determined by the interfacial supersaturation set by Re, its formation was shown to be more dependent on the interfacial diffusion coefficient which regulates solute backtransport and the activation energy for nucleation. Through this work we suggest that the nucleation mechanisms underlying scale formation and bulk crystallisation are distinct. The regulation of nucleation rate in the bulk solution by Re is described analytically through classical nucleation theory, while scaling can be mitigated through operation below a critical threshold supersaturation value that determines the rate and type of scaling that prevails. These seemingly distinct strategies can be combined through modifications to T and dT with Re to suppress scaling and offer refined control over the kinetics of nucleation and crystal growth.

This study provides detailed characterisation of nucleation kinetics, induction time and supersaturation to understand scaling and crystal growth in membrane distillation crystallisation. Membrane area was used to moderate supersaturation rate, as a method to transition across the metastable zone without modifying boundary layer conditions. Increasing membrane area sustained the same water vapour flux but increased supersaturation rate within the crystallising solution (sodium chloride). This reduced induction time and increased the supersaturation level at induction. Membrane scaling was minimised by increasing supersaturation rate despite an increase in nucleation rate. This conforms with classical nucleation theory but contradicts membrane distillation crystallisation literature, where elevated supersaturation is often linked to advanced scaling. The transition from heterogeneous to homogeneous nucleation was evidenced once greater supersaturation at induction was achieved. The probability for scaling within the low supersaturation domain was confirmed through diagnostic investigation of the scaling deposit formed, and the growth mechanism within the scaling layer related to the relevant supersaturation region. Crystal size and morphology were also related to the metastable region, where membrane-to-volume ratio can facilitate higher nucleation rates complemented by greater crystal growth. This study provides critical insight for the development of scaling mitigation strategies and creates a basis for the sustainable design of thermal membrane crystallisation systems.

The “Reinvent the Toilet Challenge” set by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation aims to bring access to adequate sanitary systems to billions of people. In response to this challenge, on-site sanitation systems are proposed and being developed globally. These systems require in-situ thermal treatment, processes that are not well understood for human faeces (HF). Thermogravimetric analysis has been used to investigate the pyrolysis, gasification and combustion of HF. The results are compared to the thermal behaviour of simulant faeces (SF) and woody biomass (WB), along with the blends of HF and WB. Kinetic analysis was conducted using non-isothermal kinetics model-free methods, and the thermogravimetric data obtained for the combustion of HF, SS and WB. The results show that the devolatilisation of HF requires higher temperatures and rates are slower those of WB. Minimum temperatures of 475 K are required for fuel ignition. HF and SF showed similar thermal behaviour under pyrolysis, but not under combustion conditions. The activation energy for HF is 157.4 kJ/mol, relatively higher than SS and WB. Reaction order for HF is lower (n = 0.4) to WB (n = 0.6). In-situ treatment of HF in on-site sanitary systems can be designed for slow progressive burn.

Whilst direct observation (DO) methodologies can describe back-transport of supra-micron particles, present technologies are unable to discriminate submicron particles, which are primarily responsible for membrane fouling. In this study, we therefore introduce a fluorescence enabled direct visual observation (RLF-DVO) methodology to permit visual characterisation of submicron particle transport during cross-flow filtration. Particle discrimination was achievable for particle diameters exceeding 0.25 mu m; however, this was dependent upon particle concentration and the cross-flow velocity employed. Nevertheless, this is considerably below the detection limit of current techniques (around 3 mu m). During filtration of a binary dispersion comprised of submicron particles, deposition was observed before a change in transmembrane pressure was detected, which underpins the important role of DO for fouling diagnosis. Based on observations made during this study, recommendations are proposed that will further improve resolution. Importantly, this study demonstrates RLF-DVO can provide real-time description of submicron particle transport during cross-flow filtration.