Flow Parameter Profiles in the Crossflow of a Two-Component Fluid through Semipermeable Membranes

Abstract

The analytical solution for spiral-wound module performance is a useful tool for developing explicit equations for the local values of variables like effective pressure, water flux, salt wall concentration, and velocities for seawater feed solutions. Depending on the operating conditions, knowledge of the local values of these variables could be useful to predict possible areas on the membrane surface where scale formation or fouling is likely to occur. Reasonable values for all variables have been found by using the developed equations at any point in the permeate and the feed side of the membrane. Although the method has been applied for spiral wound reverse osmosis membranes, it is believed that the same method could be used in similar hydrodynamic situations where flow through porous media is taking place.