Modelling of modules and systems in reverse osmosis. Part I: Theoretical system design model development

Two models, to be applied to reverse osmosis system design and performance prediction under isothermal conditions, have been developed. Both system design models, which can make use of any membrane mass transport model, are presented applying the Kimura Sourirajan Analysis and assuming a spiral wound module configuration. Other module configurations are equally suitable after introducing the necessary changes to account for simple geometrical differences. The concentration polarization phenomena, as well as the effect of the high pressure channel spacer/turbulence promoting net on the mass transfer coefficient are considered.