Abstract
This study seeks to evaluate the performance and economic feasibility of the forward osmosis (FO)–reverse osmosis (RO) hybrid process; to propose a guideline by which this hybrid process might be more price-competitive in the field. A solution-diffusion model modified with film theory was applied to analyze the effects of concentration polarization, water, and salt transport coefficient on flux, recovery, seawater concentration, and treated wastewater of the FO process of an FO-RO hybrid system. A simple cost model was applied to analyze the effects of flux; recovery of the FO process; energy; and membrane cost on the FO-RO hybrid process. The simulation results showed that the water transport coefficient and internal concentration polarization resistance are very important factors that affect performance in the FO process; however; the effect of the salt transport coefficient does not seem to be large. It was also found that the flux and recovery of the FO process, the FO membrane, and the electricity cost are very important factors that influence the water cost of an FO-RO hybrid system. This hybrid system can be price-competitive with RO systems when its recovery rate is very high, the flux and the membrane cost of the FO are similar to those of the RO, and the electricity cost is expensive. The most important thing in commercializing the FO process is enhancing performance (e.g.; flux and the recovery of FO membranes).
Highlights
A seawater desalination process separates seawater into two streams—namely, a fresh water stream containing a low concentration of dissolved salts, and a concentrated brine stream [1]
Since 2005 in particular, growing interest has been observed in osmotically driven membrane processes and, in forward osmosis (FO), which has been evaluated as a promising alternative to reverse osmosis (RO) for seawater desalination, to produce fresh water while consuming low levels of energy [3]
We developed a model to predict the performance of this hybrid system, which leverages both FO and RO; this model is based on the solution-diffusion model, with modifications from film theory
Summary
A seawater desalination process separates seawater into two streams—namely, a fresh water stream containing a low concentration of dissolved salts, and a concentrated brine stream [1]. This desalination process requires some form of energy, and it utilizes several different technologies in separation. Since 2005 in particular, growing interest has been observed in osmotically driven membrane processes and, in forward osmosis (FO), which has been evaluated as a promising alternative to reverse osmosis (RO) for seawater desalination, to produce fresh water while consuming low levels of energy [3]. A simple cost model was applied to analyze the effects of flux, recovery, membrane, and energy cost on the FO-RO hybrid process
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