Abstract
In this study, a theoretical model for the transport phenomena in an Air Gap Membrane Distillation used for desalination was developed. The model is based on the conservation equations for the mass, momentum, energy and species within the feed water solution as well as on the mass and energy balances on the membrane sides. The rarefaction impacts are taken into consideration showing their effects on process parameters particularly permeate flow and thermal efficiency. The theoretical model was validated with available data and was found in good agreement especially when the slip condition is introduced. The rarefaction impact was found considerable inducing an increase in the permeate flux and the thermal efficiency.