(534d) Residence Time Distribution RO Feed Channel

Residence time distribution (RTD) in a commercial Filmtec BW30-400 RO channel is determined using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and correlated with the Exponentially Modified Gaussian (EMG) model. The RTD, cumulative function of RTD, and flushing dynamics in RO channels are shown to be different from the analytical solutions derived for plane channels, due to the existence of spacer filaments in the former. The results for multiple channels connected in series are also acquired. The efficacy of purging after one displacement volume is estimated to be 90% for one RO element and 95% for seven RO elements connected in series. Implications of the RTD on batch operations of RO are discussed.

References:

(1) Li, M. Residence Time Distribution in RO Channel, Desalination, 506, 115000, 2021.

(2) Li, M. Effects of Finite Flux and Flushing Efficacy on Specific Energy Consumption in Semi-Batch and Batch Reverse Osmosis Processes, Desalination, 496, 114646, 2020.