Predicting the performance of spiral-wound membranes in pressure-retarded osmosis processes. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Matta, Saly M.; Selam, Muaz A.; Manzoor, Husnain; Adham, Samer; Shon, Ho Kyong; Castier, Marcelo; Abdel-Wahab, Ahmed
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 189(2022)
• Page Start: 66
• Page End: 77
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: Pressure-retarded osmosis -- Spiral-wound -- Power density -- PRO membranes -- Q-electrolattice; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2022.02.125
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: A process simulator has been developed to model and predict the performance of spiral-wound membrane modules in pressure retarded osmosis processes. This has involved automation of generalized protocols for the numerical integration of the solvent and solute flux equations (in conjunction with a suitable electrolyte equation of state) along the surface area of a spiral-wound membrane leaf. Performance equations are solved for discrete area elements and the spiral-wound character of the module as a whole is realized through the programmed sequence in which discrete elements are evaluated. This arrangement allows for mirroring the parabolic flow pattern of the feed stream in the spiral-wound membrane leaf. The total permeation (and, by extension, power density) is thus calculated in a manner that accounts for the driving force profile consistent with flow patterns specific to spiral-wound membranes. This effective treatment of each discrete element as a flat-sheet membrane enables the transferability of membrane parameters characterized in standard, coupon-scale experiments to the simulation of spiral-wound modules. This transferability is illustrated through comparisons of model predictions with published pilot-scale PRO data.