Design and optimization of spiral-wound and hollow fiber RO-modules

Abstract This paper presents design equations (2-dimensional) for spiral-wound and hollow fiber RO-modules. Predictions based on these design equations deviate from experimental data less than 2.5% with respect to recovery rate and less than 6.5% with respect to salt passage. With a few simplifying assumptions, “short cut” relationships can be derived from these “exact” design equations which are especially useful for a first estimate of the separation characteristics of RO-modules. The accuracy of these simplified relationships is still acceptable (5% deviation to the “exact” solution). For given membrane properties, results of module optimization will be discussed. It will be shown that the product of volume specific productivity and recovery rate is important for optimization purposes.