Dewatering reverse osmosis concentrate using forward osmosis

Li Liu, Samer Adham, Joan Oppenheimer, Manish Kumar

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Minimization of the reverse osmosis (RO) concentrate has become an emerging issue for inland utilities. This study focuses on investigating the innovative low energy usage technology of forward osmosis (FO) to dewater RO concentrate. Several draw solutions are evaluated in this study, including magnetic particles, dendrimers, albumin and sodium chloride. Dendrimers are a promising osmotic media as these macromolecules provide high osmotic pressure and can be reconcentrated using ultrafiltration. With flat-sheet FO configuration, the concentrate from a RO pilot in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, is further concentrated using sodium chloride as the draw solutions. The volume of RO concentrate was reduced by 71%, achieving an overall recovery of 94% combining RO and FO processes. As a proof of concept study, this project summarizes initial feasibility data on the application of FO to minimize the concentrate from RO process. It also contributes to the knowledge of FO process with investigation of innovative draw solutions and high-performance FO membranes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2007 Membrane Technology Conference and Exposition Proceedings
StatePublished - Dec 1 2007
Event2007 Membrane Technology Conference and Exposition - Tampa, FL, United States
Duration: Mar 18 2007Mar 21 2007

Publication series

Name2007 Membrane Technology Conference and Exposition Proceedings

Other

Other2007 Membrane Technology Conference and Exposition
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityTampa, FL
Period3/18/073/21/07

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dewatering reverse osmosis concentrate using forward osmosis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this