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01 Lewabrane Manual Ro Theory PDF
01 Lewabrane Manual Ro Theory PDF
Index
1. Basics and Principle of Reverse Osmosis....................................................................................3
Notice: Please note that the information and recommendations provided in this technical brochure do not claim to be
universally valid; in particular, they are not meant to substitute, amend or supplement the information and/or
instructions provided by the OEM of the RO membrane system and/or the facility operator. In fact, LANXESS strongly
recommends to obtain written confirmation from the OEM of the RO system and/or the facility operator before using
the chemicals described in our technical brochure, installation of the RO elements and operation of the RO
membrane system, and to verify the advice and information provided herein in each case as to its compatibility with
the overall water treatment facility and RO membrane system.
2
1. Basics and Principle of Reverse Osmosis
Cross flow is the configuration applied for A difference of height is observed between
membrane separation using RO membrane. both compartments when the chemical
As shown in Figure 1.1 the feed water stream potential is equalized. The difference in height
flows tangentially to the membrane surface. A expresses the osmotic pressure difference
fraction of the water in this feed stream between the two solutions.
passes through the membrane, whereas the
majority of the feed flow travels along the Reverse osmosis is a process which
surface. Thus, two streams are collected: occurs when pressure, greater than the
osmotic pressure, is applied to the
• permeate, almost pure water concentrated solution. Water is forced to flow
containing low concentration of ions from the concentrated to the diluted side, and
• concentrate, having high concentration solutes are retained by the membrane
of small particles and dissolved ions (see Figure 1.2).
3
Figure 1.2: Principle Osmosis and of Reverse Osmosis (RO)
RO membranes can be supplied in both flat In RO device there are three streams. The
sheet and HFF (Hollow Fine Fiber) structural feed stream is separated by RO membrane
formats. The flat sheet RO membrane is into permeate and concentrate streams. Flow
composed of three layers. rates of these streams are usually expressed
in cubic meters per hour (m³/h) or in gallons
As shown in Figure 1.3, there is a non- per minute (gpm). Feed flow rate is defined as
woven polyester support layer, a polysulfone the rate of water entering the RO system.
layer, and on top the polyamide barrier layer. Permeate flow rate is defined as the rate of
The barrier layer is formed by the polyamide water passing through the RO membrane, and
of which the molecular structure is shown in concentrate flow rate is defined as the rate of
Figure 1.3. flow which has not passed through the RO
membrane, and comes out from the RO
1.4 RO membrane performance system with rejected ions.
4
Figure 1.3: Structure of RO membrane
5
1.4.5 Differential Pressure Reaching the highest value of rejection in the
(Pressure Drop) average feed salinity range of 300 – 500 mg/l.
Afterwards, the salt rejection decreases as the
The pressure drop is the difference feed concentration increases. The above
between the feed and concentrate pressure discussion variability of salt rejection is shown
during water flow through one or more RO schematically in Figure 1.4.
membrane elements. The pressure drop (dp)
is defined by:
Salt
dp = Pf − Pc (1.4)
rejection
Pf + Pc
TMP = − Pp (1.5)
2
1.4.7 Tendency of RO
Performance
6
Increase of Tendency Reason for
Conditions Flux Rejection Membrane Performances Change
pH Range
pH Range
Chemicals (Alka- Reason of Membrane Rejection Change
(Acidity)
linity)
7
1.4.8 Element Construction The membranes are glued along three sides
to form membrane leaves attached to a
Several designs are available for making permeate channel (centre pipe) placed along
RO membrane and elements. These the unsealed edge of the membrane leaf. The
membrane devices are available in plate and internal side of the leaf contains a permeate
frame, tubular and hollow fiber membrane spacer designed to support the membrane
module configuration. The Lewabrane® RO sheet without collapsing under pressure.
membrane elements from LANXESS are
manufactured as “spiral wound RO membrane This permeate spacer is porous and
elements”. conducts permeate to the centre pipe. A feed
channel spacer (a net-like sheet) is placed
The most common element device for RO between the leaves to define the feed channel
membrane application is assembled according height (typically round 1 mm) and provide
to spiral-wound configuration. mass transfer benefits. The membrane leaves
are wound around the centre pipe and given
This format provides the highest degree of an outer casing (Figure 1.5). This design
packing density. The spiral-wound module provides a high packing density (300-1000
uses flat sheets wound around a centre pipe. m2/m3).
8
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Therefore, it is imperative that you test our
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this publication. For materials mentioned suitability from a technical as well as health,
which are not LANXESS products, appropriate safety, and environmental standpoint. Such
industrial hygiene and other safety testing has not necessarily been done by us.
precautions recommended by their Unless we otherwise agree in writing, all
manufacturers should be followed. Before products are sold strictly pursuant to the terms
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LANXESS representative in Germany or connection with the use of our products,
contact the Regulatory Affairs and Product technical assistance, and information.
Safety Department of LANXESS Deutschland
GmbH or - for business in the USA - the Any statement or recommendation not
LANXESS Product Safety and Regulatory contained herein is unauthorized and shall not
Affairs Department in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. bind us. Nothing herein shall be construed as
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LANXESS Regulatory Affairs Manager in CONTACT
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US the Regulatory Affairs and Product Safety LANXESS Deutschland GmbH
Department of LANXESS Deutschland GmbH Business Unit Liquid Purification Technologies
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purpose to which you put and utilize our E-mail: lewabrane@lanxess.com
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(whether verbal, written or by way of
production evaluations), including any Edition: November 2013
suggested formulations and recommendations
are beyond our control.