Design, optimization, and simulation of vacuum membrane distillation module recovering ammonia‐N from biogas slurry

Abstract This study explores the design, optimization, and simulation of membrane modules for effective ammonia‐N recovery from biogas slurry using vacuum membrane distillation technology. Three distinct modules are specifically constructed, involving the original membrane module (OMM), aeration‐enhanced membrane module (AMM), and stirring‐enhanced membrane module (SMM). Compared to OMM, the flux of AMM and SMM increased by 85% and 72%, respectively, along with the ammonia‐N recovery rate increasing by 43% and 40%, respectively, attributing to their enhanced turbulence and reduced concentration polarization. Computational fluid dynamics simulations unravel that both AMM and SMM exhibit optimized parameters compared to OMM, involving flow dynamics, shear stress distribution, and temperature gradients across the membrane interfaces, leading to improved ammonia‐N flux and recovery rate. Through systematic comparisons, this study identifies optimal operating conditions for improved ammonia‐N recovery efficiency, membrane longevity, and provides insights into membrane module modifications to address challenges regarding ammonia‐N recovery from real‐life biogas slurry.