Modeling reverse osmosis separations with strong solute‐membrane affinity at different temperatures using the finely porous model

Abstract The reverse osmosis separation of toluene from water has been studied using an asymmetric cellulose acetate membrane at different temperatures, pressures, and feed concentrations. The finely porous transport model is used to describe the performance of the membrane as a function of the operating conditions. Based on experimental data, the transport parameters for the membrane are estimated. These parameters include the pore size of the membrane, the frictional parameter for the solute in the membrane pore, the relative porosity of the membrane surface, and the partition coefficients on the high and low pressure sides of the membrane. The influence of operating temperature on some of these parameters is presented and discussed. A modified form of the finely porous model which includes the effect of temperature is presented.