Full Description

A numerical model was developed to describe the performance of a full-scale reverseosmosis desalination process used for wastewater reclamation, in which fouling was a majoroperational concern. Key feed water quality parameters such as total dissolved solids, totalsolids, and solids size distribution were determined to assess the nature of foulant matter.Membrane separation and fouling parameters were determined using membrane transport theory,pilot plant performance data, and autopsy of clean and fouled membrane elements. The data wasinput into the numerical model, which used basic momentum and mass transport equations torelate membrane fouling kinetics to the transient pressures, flows, and concentrations occurringthroughout the full-scale system. The model results are compared to data obtained from the ROpilot plant treating secondary wastewater. Results confirmed that the pilot plant behavior waswell predicted by the numerical model, which suggests that full-scale RO performance andfouling kinetics may be predicted. Laboratory, pilot, and full scale design phases for future ROprocesses may be significantly streamlined by adopting these procedures. Includes 4 references, figures.

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Edition: Vol. - No. Published: 03/01/2005 Number of Pages: 7 File Size: 1 file , 360 KB