
Introducing the course, content, and references
In this lecture, an introduction to membrane process has presented such as membrane definition, advantages and disadvantages, membrane applications, different levels in membrane processes development (Membrane element, Membrane module, Module connection, Membrane stage), Driving forces in membrane processes, Types of membrane processes, A brief introduction of Electrodialysis (ED), and A brief introduction of Pervaporation process (PV)
Forms and modules, Characteristic, advantages, and disadvantages,
Plate-and-frame Modules
Tubular Modules
Hollow-fiber modules
Spiral-wound modules
Classification of membrane and filtration processes (by pressure difference force),
Microfiltration and applications
Ultrafiltration and applications
Nanofiltration and applications
Reverse Osmosis and applications
Exercises
Factors to consider in selecting a membrane material
Classification of membrane material according to different features
Organic membranes (Polymeric membranes)
Inorganic membranes (pore membrane)
Ceramic membranes
Properties of different MF and UF membranes
Hydrophilicity characteristic
Membrane structure
Membrane materials in RO and NF
Common membrane materials used in potable reuse membranes
Operating modes,
Pressure-vessel configuration, and Skids
A summary of the characteristics of MF, UF, NF, RO
Explain concentration polarization and its impact on membrane resistance and permeate flux. Explore fouling and scaling minimization through pretreatment, membrane selection, operation, and cleaning strategies.
Explore pretreatment options for membrane processes, focusing on fouling, scaling, and corrosion control through coagulation, filtration, softening, acidification, and disinfection to curb biofouling and organic fouling.
Explore general concepts before designing reverse osmosis systems, including membrane configurations, stages, pressure drop, osmosis, osmotic pressure, and the solution diffusion model of mass transfer and solute rejection.
Explore reverse osmosis system design in ten steps, from feed water analysis and selection to recovery, staging, module counts, and performance checks.
Assess reverse osmosis performance by examining feed, permeate flux, recovery, and solute rejection, normalized for temperature and pressure using ASTM methods.
Examine energy and sustainability factors in reverse osmosis, highlighting how osmotic pressure, recovery, and stage design influence energy use, concentrate disposal, and overall system efficiency.
Explore the cost and capacity of desalination using reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes, comparing capital and operation and maintenance costs, energy recovery, and lifecycle cost scenarios.
Analyze a groundwater case study using nanofiltration to treat drinking water, removing pesticides and herbicides, while determining maximum cost per cubic meter and key design factors.
Explore ROSA software for reverse osmosis process design, guidelines, and standards, covering pretreatment options, project data input, unit selections, membrane elements, and single, two-stage, and three-stage configurations.
Design a two-stage reverse osmosis system for brackish surface water using rosa software, selecting 365–400 ft2 elements to achieve 132 gpm at 75% recovery, with back pressure and booster adjustments.
Design a seawater RO system with ROSA software, selecting SW 30 membranes and calculating module numbers for staged designs, achieving 55% recovery and 1200 m3/d permeate for drinking water.
This course will be uploaded on 07.08.2020
Please find the exercises of the lectures in this section.
This course includes 230 slides in 8 sections and 20 lectures (more than 6:00 hours) and also along with a practical tutorial using ROSA software. These sections are as follow:
Section 1: Membrane basic principles and selection process
Section 2: Fouling, Scaling, Concentration Polarization, and solutions
Section 3: Pretreatment and post-treatment
Section 4: Membrane design and evaluation
Section 5: Water production using RO/NF membrane (cost and capacity)
Section 6: Case study: Drinking water treatment using Nanofiltration (NF)
Section 7: ROSA software tutorial and Reverse Osmosis (RO) process design using this software
Section 8: Introducing top membrane manufacturers