Development of Analysis Method for Forward Osmosis Hollow Fiber Membrane Performance

Abstract

To calculate forward osmosis (FO) hollow fiber membrane performance driven by osmotic pressure gradient, we developed a model based on both internal concentration polarization (ICP) and dilution in lumen side of the hollow fiber membrane. Comparison between experimental data and simulated results showed good agreement for the water flux and the final concentration of the diluted draw solution (DS) using intrinsic membrane parameters (water permeability of 0.227 LMH/bar, salt permeability of 0.035 LMH and structural parameter of 900 μm). Based on this model, the local permeate flux and local DS concentration inside the FO module were calculated. This study offers knowledge for process optimization and membrane design in large-scale FO operation by hollow fiber membrane modules.