Reverse osmosis modeling, simulation, and optimization

Abstract

Reverse osmosis (RO)–based membrane filtration technology has perhaps the largest market share in membrane applications, apart from hemodialysis. The primary reason behind the development of science for the RO membrane is its potential in desalination of brackish water. Though the technology is well established for more than a decade now, there are several scopes of improvement in its scaling-up and smooth operation, which are linked to the understanding and modeling of the process dynamics. RO-based processes are also suitable for the separation (and removal) of high-valued low-molecular-weight compounds, which is otherwise difficult through chemical routes. In recent years, there is growth in the research of new membrane materials targeted toward high flux-high selectivity, showing promise in greater economic benefit and reduced energy costs. In this context, it is quite imperative to understand the physical phenomena involved, within the purview of mathematical design equations, simulating the performance for the given operating conditions.