Modelling the rejection of N-nitrosamines by a spiral-wound reverse osmosis system: Mathematical model development and validation

作者：Fujioka Takahiro; Khan Stuart J; McDonald James A; Roux Annalie; Poussade Yvan; Drewes Joerg E; Nghiem Long D^*

来源：Journal of Membrane Science, 2014, 454: 212-219.

DOI：10.1016/j.memsci.2013.12.003

• Solute rejection modelling
• NDMA
• N-nitrosamines
• Reverse osmosis (RO)
• Spiral-wound elements
• Water reuse

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 30 L/m(2)h led to an increase in the rejection of low molecular weight N-nitrosamines such as N-nitrosodimerhylamine (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 born 49% to 35% when the overall recovery increased from 10% to 50%. The model developed horn 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.

• 出版日期2014-3-15