Optimal Design of Membrane-Hybrid Systems for Waste Reduction

Abstract A systematic procedure is devised to tackle the design of membrane-hybrid systems for waste reduction. A membrane-hybrid system corresponds to any separation network that employs reverse-osmosis modules, booster pumps, turbines and mass exchangers (e.g. extractors, adsorption columns, ion exchangers, etc.). The proposed approach provides a generally-applicable framework for simultaneously screening all potential separation processes of interest. The problem is formulated as an optimal synthesis task. The solution to this task provides the minimum-cost hybrid configuration, types and sizes of reverse-osmosis units, mass exchangers, pumps and turbines. It also identifies the best distribution of streams and waste reduction loads. A case study is tackled to illustrate the applicability of the devised procedure.