Bench-Scale Testing of Nanofiltration for Seawater Desalination
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 133, Issue 11
Abstract
A dual-staged nanofiltration process is being evaluated as an alternative to reverse osmosis for seawater desalination. The primary goal of this system is to reduce energy consumption while producing potable water at an acceptable recovery rate. Investigation of this system at the bench-scale level focused on membrane surface characterization, ion rejection (including boron, bromide, and iodide rejection), and flux decline. Results from this study showed that two commercially available nanofiltration membranes can effectively desalinate seawater. Although fouling was apparent—and resulted in approximately 20% flux decline over 3 days—a critical flux was not identifiable. Operation of the system at different cross-flow velocities revealed the significance of hydrodynamic conditions on the polarization modulus, and hence on membrane performance.
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Acknowledgments
The writers would like to acknowledge the American Water Works Association Research Foundation for their support of this project. On behalf of LBWD, Kevin L. Wattier, General Manager and Diem X. Vuong, former Assistant General Manager are to be thanked for their financial support and intellectual contributions. Also on behalf of LBWD, Janel E. Grebel and Phu Ngyuen, Civil Engineering interns and Tai J. Tseng, Treatment Plant Superintendent for operation of the pilot plant are to be thanked. On behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno, Tzahi Y. Cath, now Assistant Professor at the Colorado School of Mines, is to be thanked for his intellectual contribution to this project. This work was carried out at the University of Nevada, Reno and the Long Beach Water Department.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 133 • Issue 11 • November 2007
Pages: 1004 - 1014
Copyright
© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Dec 9, 2005
Accepted: Mar 14, 2007
Published online: Nov 1, 2007
Published in print: Nov 2007
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