CFD simulation of the permeation process of a 19-core tandem ceramic membrane module was established to investigate flow field and resistance and its change in permeate flux to the membrane element position and the channel of each membrane element. The results show that when the volume flow rate changes from 26 m(3).h(-1) to 89 m(3).h(-1), the resistance of each part of the membrane module increases gradually. The increase in resistance loss in themembrane element is faster than the plates and the bellmouths. In a single ceramic membrane module, the maximumdifference in flowrate of each membrane tube is 7.23%. In a single membrane tube, the outer ring channels 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8 are relatively slow. The maximummass flow deviation from the mean is 2.7%. This work helps to clarify the flow mechanism within the modules, optimize the structure of the equipment and provide a reliable basis for the improvement of industrial ceramic membrane modules. (C) 2019 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.