The role of feed spacers in membrane technology: 45 years of research

Abstract

Feed spacers are crucial for enhancing the performance and efficiency of membrane-based technologies. Researchers have long focused on optimizing feed spacer designs and materials to improve fluid mixing and mass/heat transfer across membranes. However, these improvements often increase pressure drops, raising energy requirements. Therefore, innovative designs are sought to balance enhanced mass/heat transfer with reduced pressure drops and improved antifouling properties. This study analyzes patterns and trends in the feed spacer field using bibliometric methods, data analysis, and machine learning. The analysis includes 457 articles from the Scopus database, collected on March 5, 2024, covering publications from 1978 to 2023 across 45 journals. The analysis revealed that reverse osmosis technology emerges as the most studied membrane process, with 153 articles. Furthermore, experimental research in this field is preferred over theoretical evaluations, and the impact of feed spacers on mass transfer and pressure drops is the most explored topic, with 197 articles addressing one or more of these phenomena. Additionally, 204 articles focused on feed spacers’ role in fouling, scaling, and biofouling, with commercial feed spacers being the most frequently studied. The Journal of Membrane Science leads in publication volume with 152 articles, and Vrouwenvelder J.S. is the top author in 4 out of 6 metrics. Sentiment analysis of abstracts shows that authors generally express positive sentiments (385 articles) while maintaining an objective (453 articles) and emotion-free (446 articles) writing style.