How do you select the appropriate membrane module configuration for a separation application?

Module types and selection: Spiral wound - cost-effective for large-scale RO/NF, moderate fouling tolerance; Hollow fiber - high packing density for gas separation and UF, but sensitive to fouling; Plate-and-frame - easy to clean, good for viscous/fouling feeds, higher cost; Tubular - excellent fouling tolerance for harsh applications, lowest packing density. Selection criteria: feed characteristics (fouling propensity, viscosity, solids), pressure requirements, cleaning accessibility, packing density needs, and cost constraints. Pre-treatment design is critical for all configurations.