Effects of pH and temperature on forward osmosis membrane flux using rainwater as the makeup for cooling water dilution

Wendong Wang, Yinting Zhang, Mariem Esparra-Alvarado, Xiaomao Wang, Hongwei Yang, Yuefeng Xie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cooling water plays an important role in maintaining proper temperatures for many industrial processes. To compensate for water loss and to maintain proper cooling water quality, fresh water must be added to the circulating system. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of forward osmosis using rainwater as the makeup water source for the cooling water. It was determined that the average water flux was 1.75L/(m2·h) at 23°C and decreased gradually to 0.65L/(m2·h) after the draw solution was diluted 4 times. Although the changes in pH had a small direct effect on the water flux, the existence of sodium hydroxide would promote the dissolution of more carbon dioxide into the feed solution and thus inhibit the permeation process. However, the temperature showed a notable effect on the water flux. By increasing the temperature of the draw solution from 3°C to 50°C, the membrane flux increased approximately 10 times. During the extended operation, no decreases in flux were observed as a result of membrane fouling, even when 50mg/L kaolin or 25mg/L sodium alginate was added to the feed solution.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)70-76
Number of pages7
JournalDesalination
Volume351
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 15 2014

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • General Materials Science
  • Water Science and Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering

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