Predicting the performance of large-scale forward osmosis module using spatial variation model: Effect of operating parameters including temperature

Forward osmosis (FO) is considered as an energy-efficient process for numerous applications. Although its performance is determined by the spatially varied operation factors and the length of the channel, most of the reported simulation studies rely on length-averaged lumped models. Here, we introduce a one-D model based on heat and mass transfer and transport behavior for both bulk draw and feed channel flows. We find prediction results to be in good agreement with two different experimental results at inlet feed temperatures below 25 °C. However, the difference of water flux (Jw) and reverse salt flux (RSF) between measured and predicted data increases when both feed and draw temperatures also increase. Our theoretical simulation study first reveals that the feed temperature near the membrane active layer surface is the main factor for improving water and salt permeabilities. We find that, with a channel width of 0.3 m and a channel length of 2.5 m, Jw and RSF calculated using the length-averaged based lumped model are overestimated by 13.01% and 13.12%, respectively, compared to those obtained using our new spatial variation model. Our study demonstrates that the length-averaged based lumped model is not an appropriate simulation model to predict the performance of large-scale FO modules at lower inlet velocities. •The effect of spatial variation on the FO performance is investigated to predict large scale conditions.•The influence of water permeability and reverse salt flux is determined.•Draw and feed temperatures proved to have a significant effect on the FO performance.•Predicted results are in good agreement with different experimental data.•The spatial variation model is more appropriate for simulating large scale FO modules.