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Response surface methodology has been applied for modeling and optimization of air gap membrane distillation process used in desalination. Regression models have been developed to predict the performance index and the specific performance index that takes into consideration the energy consumption as function of different variables. The developed models have been statistically validated by analysis of variance. The rejection factors were found to be greater than 99.9%. Two optimal operating conditions have been determined for each response. For the performance index the optimal solution was a cooling inlet temperature of 13.9°C, a feed inlet temperature of 71°C and a feed flow rate of 183L/h. Under these conditions the experimental performance index, 47.189kg/m².h, was found to be the greatest value among all performed experiments. For the specific performance index, the optimal solution was also …