A Comparative Analysis of Statistical Models and Mathematics in Reverse Osmosis Evaluation Processes as a Search Path to Achieve Better Efficiency

Abstract

An effective alternative for water purification is reverse osmosis (RO). Laboratory-scale RO modeling is widely applied worldwide, and allows the evaluation of the behavior of the system to find the most convenient operating variables to be applied in future industrial scale-ups. Statistical models provide a wide range of information that allows a statistical prediction of the operation of the plant, and allows us to obtain efficiency indices in its development; these are useful in the planning, operation and monitoring process in RO plants. The mathematical models describe the physical behavior of the membrane and allow the identification of optimal operating conditions, taking into account economic aspects, guaranteeing a greater implementation of RO technology in developing countries which have problems with water contaminated with toxic heavy metals. The present work shows a review of different statistical and mathematical models, and the suitability of these in the analysis of RO in the separation of heavy metals in drinking water that can be applied in countries with serious environmental problems. Bolivia and several river basins, such as the Guadalquivir and Milluni, present this type of problem. A comparative method is proposed to establish the advantages and selection criteria to apply the different models in IO.

Zinc Recovery from a Water Supply by Reverse Osmosis Operated at Low Pressures: Looking for Sustainability in Water Treatment Advanced Processes

“…According to [ 65 ], a mathematical and statistical analysis of a process provides us with information to optimize the technology and maximize responses. The mathematical evaluation of the RO process helped to observe if, when operating with low pressures below that recommended by the supplier, the behavior of the membrane is adequate and if the separation efficiency is maintained in congruence with [ 66 ].…”

Mathematical and Statistical Evaluation of Reverse Osmosis in the Removal of Manganese as a Way to Achieve Sustainable Operating Parameters

“…According to [ 79 ], statistical models provide a wide range of information that allows a statistical prediction of the operation of the plant and improved efficiency in its development. These inputs are useful in RO plants’ planning, operating, and monitoring processes.…”