비가압식 막 공정을 통한 정삼투막 성능 평가

Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop a novel method for evaluating forward osmosis (FO) membrane performances using a non-pressurized FO system. Basic membrane performance parameters including water (A) and solute (B) permeability coefficients and unique parameter for FO membrane such as the support layer structural parameter (S) were determined in two FO modes (i.e., active layer faces feed solution (AL-FS) and active layer faces draw solution (AL-DS)). Futhermore, these parameters were compared with those determined in a pressurized reverse osmosis (RO) system. Theoretical water flux was calculated by employing these parameters to a model that accounts for the effects of both internal and external concentration polarization. Water flux from FO experiment was compared to theoretical water fluxes for assessing the reliability of those parameters determined in three different operation modes (i.e., AL-FS FO, AL-DS FO, and RO modes). It is demonstrated that FO membrane performance parameters can be accurately measured in non-pressurized FO mode. Specifically, membrane performance parameters determined in AL-DS FO mode most accurately predict FO water flux. This implies that the evaluation of FO membrane performances should be performed in non-pressurized FO mode, which can prevent membrane compaction and/or defect and more precisely reflect FO operation conditions.