Abstract
A mathematical model was developed based on the irreversible thermodynamic principle and hydrodynamic calculation to predict the rejection of N-nitrosamines by spiral-wound reverse osmosis (RO) membrane systems. The developed model is able to accurately describe the rejection of N-nitrosamines under a range of permeate flux and system recovery conditions. The modelled N-nitrosamine rejections were in good agreement with values obtained experimentally using a pilot-scale RO filtration system. Simulation from the model revealed that an increase in permeate flux from 10 to 30L/m2h led to an increase in the rejection of low molecular weight N-nitrosamines such as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) (from 31% to 54%), which was validated by experimental results. The modelling results also revealed that an increase in recovery caused a decrease in the rejection of these N-nitrosamines, which is consistent with the experimental results. Further modelling investigations suggested that NDMA rejection by a spiral-wound system can drop from 49% to 35% when the overall recovery increased from 10% to 50%. The model developed from this study can be a useful tool for water utilities and regulators for system design and evaluating the removal of N-nitrosamine by RO membranes.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 212-219 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Membrane Science |
Volume | 454 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 15 Mar 2014 |
Keywords
- N-nitrosamines
- NDMA
- Reverse osmosis (RO)
- Solute rejection modelling
- Spiral-wound elements
- Water reuse