Mathematical modeling of reverse osmosis system design and performance

Abstract

ABSTRACT Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the most effective technologies for water desalination. However, the RO system's performance is contingent on its design parameters and operating conditions. In this study, a computational model for RO desalination performance prediction was developed. The study compares the performance parameters of the RO system utilizing various types of membranes with the established model using a single pressure vessel and seven membrane elements within the pressure vessel. This study looked at two different feed water concentrations. The first is for saltwater with a concentration of 40,000 mg/L, while the second is for seawater with a concentration of 32,000 mg/L. WAVE software assessed the findings of the generated model to the recovery ratio, feed pressure, salt rejection, and permeate concentration of each membrane element inside the pressure vessel. The results of the study show good similarity between the simulation model results and the results obtained by WAVE software as they are illustrated in Figures 4–7.