Comprehensive Mathematical Modeling of Membrane Fouling Kinetics and Energy Consumption in Full-Scale Reverse Osmosis Processes

Membrane fouling is one of the primary obstacles to the energy efficacy and sustainability of reverse osmosis (RO) processes. The objective of this research is to develop a dynamic mathematical model that is integrated and predicts the impact of pollution accumulation on the performance of full-scale membranes. The Carman-Kozeny equation and cake layer growth kinetics based on Hermia's laws were combined with the fundamental transport models developed by Hoek et al. to describe hydraulic resistivity. Fouling-enhanced concentrating polarization was also represented using the advanced film theory developed by Sutzkover et al. The model predicts a significant correlation between fouling-induced resist growth () and flux decline. A steady increase in specific energy consumption (SEC) is a result of the necessary high operating pressure. This model provides a precise predictive tool that promotes the sustainability of desalination plants by optimizing chemical cleaning (CIP) schedules and reducing operating costs.