Semi-Resolved CFD-DEM Study on the Influence of ‘Surface Energy’ Factors on the Deposition of Lignin Particles in Ceramic Membrane Pores

Abstract

This study adopted a semi‑analytical CFD‑DEM coupling method to simulate the movement and deposition of lignin particles in ceramic membrane pores, with the aim of elucidating the microscopic mechanisms of membrane fouling. The movement of lignin particles is predicted to be primarily governed by local hydrodynamic forces and, for sub‑micron particles, by Brownian motion, whereas van der Waals forces determine the strength of particle–particle and particle–surface adhesion during deposition. Because the magnitude of this adhesive interaction was modeled as being controlled by the ‘surface energy’ parameter in the JKR model, calibration of this parameter was essential for reliable simulation results. Accordingly, this study concentrated on systematically analyzing how ‘surface energy’ could influence coordination number, filter‑cake porosity, and deposition morphology during particle sedimentation. The analysis identified a reasonable and physically consistent range for the ‘surface energy’ parameter. The results indicated that setting the particle ‘surface energy’ between 0.2 and 1.0 J/m² yielded deposition behavior that could closely resemble experimental trends reported for lignin filtration, thereby providing a theoretical basis for more accurate prediction and regulation of membrane‑fouling behavior.