Simulation of reverse osmosis processes concentrating industrial wastes

Abstract

The process parameters of a reverse osmosis system concentrating industrial wastewater in a closed‐loop operation have been studied. The model describes system solute concentration as a function of operating time and can be used to predict separation efficiency and permeate flux. The model uses seven parameters that are obtained from membrane and solution data. Simulation of a simple salt system was compared to the experimental data of an inorganic chemical effluent composed of typical plating metals. The results indicate variance from predicted mass transfer and overall membrane performance. The model is useful in predicting performance when membrane fouling is not a major problem.

Key words:

• reverse osmosis
• membrane
• electroplating wastewater
• process simulation