Model Based Simulation and Genetic Algorithm Based Optimisation of Spiral Wound Membrane RO Process for Improved Dimethylphenol Rejection from Wastewater

Abstract

Reverse Osmosis (RO) has already proved its worth as an efficient treatment method in chemical and environmental engineering applications. Various successful RO attempts for the rejection of organic and highly toxic pollutants from wastewater can be found in the literature over the last decade. Dimethylphenol is classified as a high-toxic organic compound found ubiquitously in wastewater. It poses a real threat to humans and the environment even at low concentration. In this paper, a model based framework was developed for the simulation and optimisation of RO process for the removal of dimethylphenol from wastewater. We incorporated our earlier developed and validated process model into the Species Conserving Genetic Algorithm (SCGA) based optimisation framework to optimise the design and operational parameters of the process. To provide a deeper insight of the process to the readers, the influences of membrane design parameters on dimethylphenol rejection, water recovery rate and the level of specific energy consumption of the process for two different sets of operating conditions are presented first which were achieved via simulation. The membrane parameters taken into consideration include membrane length, width and feed channel height. Finally, a multi-objective function is presented to optimise the membrane design parameters, dimethylphenol rejection and required energy consumption. Simulation results affirmed insignificant and significant impacts of membrane length and width on dimethylphenol rejection and specific energy consumption, respectively. However, these performance indicators are negatively influenced due to increasing the feed channel height. On the other hand, optimisation results generated an optimum removal of dimethylphenol at reduced specific energy consumption for a wide sets of inlet conditions. More importantly, the dimethylphenol rejection increased by around 2.51% to 98.72% compared to ordinary RO module measurements with a saving of around 20.6% of specific energy consumption.

Simulation and Operational Optimization of RO Based Desalination for Coal-Fired Power Plants’ Wastewater

“…Figure 3 shows the internal schematic diagram of the feed channel of spiral wound RO modules [ 12 , 18 , 31 , 32 ]. The feed water passes through the membrane channel to obtain fresh water and concentrated brine, respectively.…”

“…Reverse osmosis (RO) technology is extensively adopted in the treatment of wastewater from coal-fired power plants due to the advantages of high efficiency, simple operation, and maintenance of biological activity [ 10 , 11 ]. However, the operational efficiency of RO-based desalination systems is greatly affected by the feeding conditions of wastewater [ 12 ]. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the inherent operating characteristics of RO-based wastewater desalination systems so as to take effective measures to reduce the energy consumption and operational costs of these systems.…”

Research on the Optimization Problem of Agricultural Product Logistics based on Genetic Algorithm

“…Scholars such as Al-Obaidi et al (2021) incorporated the developed and validated process model into an optimization framework based on species conservation genetic algorithms to optimize the design and operating parameters of the process. And a multi-objective function is proposed to optimize the membrane design parameters, xylenol repulsion and required energy consumption [15]. Scholars at home and abroad have used two-level programming and genetic algorithm in the field of path planning, and achieved certain results.…”

Intelligent Element Layout Algorithm of Ceramic Design Drawing Based on Genetic Algorithm

“…In that case, you must ensure the balance of ceramic patterns, make them meet people's aesthetic needs, and ensure that ceramic patterns have effective aesthetic significance. In the computer age, ceramic graphic element design technology is undergoing a significant transformation, gradually changing from early manual design to intelligent design using computers [1]. Although intelligent design can improve the efficiency of pattern design and reduce the design cycle, it often fails to consider the actual needs of ceramic graphic element design, resulting in a single design pattern and rigid layout structure.…”