Fouling development in full-scale RO process, characterization and modeling

Abstract

A model was developed for realistic simulation of fouling development in a full-scale RO process in this study by considering the localized membrane fouling along the filtration channel. The fouling rate at any point in the channel is fundamentally related to both permeate flux and water fouling potential. Another main contribution of this study is the development of a novel normalization method that leads to the definition of a new index for water fouling potential. Experimental tests of membrane fouling with synthetic feed water of colloidal suspension demonstrate that the fouling potential index defined with this new normalization method is completely independent from permeate flux, and this index is required in the use of the model for fouling development. This model and the water fouling index developed in this study provide a quick and more cost-effective alternative to pilot-scale testing in full-scale plant design and optimization.