Economic assessment for TFC-RO membranes production for water desalination

Abstract

Cutting-edge membranes employed in various desalination applications are polyamide thin-film composite (TFC) membranes, created through interfacial polymerization (IP). Despite their widespread use in desalination, these membranes face several technical impediments in real-world applications. In recent years, there has been notable attention directed towards graphene oxide (GO) and materials derived from it, particularly in the field of membrane synthesis and functionalization. Capitalizing on their distinctive and adjustable characteristics, numerous nanomaterials based on GO have been explored and employed as efficient nanofillers in diverse membrane applications, ranging from water treatment and purification to desalination. The research contributes to (1) the developed concept of reverse osmosis membrane production, and the description of the step-by-step process design to produce modified reverse osmosis membranes(longer lifetime membranes with chlorine resistant properties); (2) the improved methodology for assessing the economic efficiency of reverse osmosis membrane manufacturing process adjusted to the specifics of the process design and the time factor; and (3) substantiation of the economic efficiency of the reverse osmosis membrane production project without and including the time factor impact.The project’s net present value is 664,074.76 EUR, with an internal rate of return of 13.20 %, while the return on investment is 21.23 %. The discounted payback period is longer than the simple payback period by 24.32 % but still acceptable at 9.15 years. The product profitability is 17.99 %. The comparative analysis of previous publications presenting alternative reverse osmosis modules revealed a market potential for new reverse osmosis modules and a sufficient reserve of the business.