(343g) A Spatiotemporal Model for Dynamic RO Simulations

Dynamic reverse osmosis (RO) processes (including batch RO, closed-circuit RO and flow reversal RO) have niche applications in water desalination. In these non-traditional ROs, process variables are functions of both time and location. Traditional steady-state models are not adequate to advance the fundamental understanding of these processes. In this work, a spatiotemporal model is developed for dynamic simulations of RO desalination. The model explicitly accounts for pressure drop, concentration polarization and axial dispersion along the pressure vessels. A detailed numerical method, which is based on orthogonal collocation on finite elements in the spatial domain, is presented to solve the coupled partial differential equations (PDEs) in the model. Examples are used to illustrate the application of the developed model.

References:
[1] Li, M.; Chan, N.; Li, J. Novel Dynamic and Cyclic Designs for Ultra-High Recovery Waste and Brackish Water RO Desalination, Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 179, 473-483, 2022.
[2] Li, M. A Spatiotemporal Model for Dynamic RO Simulations, Desalination, 516, 115229, 2021.
[3] Li, M. Residence Time Distribution in RO Channel, Desalination, 506, 115000, 2021.