Simulation of forward osmosis membrane process: Effect of membrane orientation and flow direction of feed and draw solutions

Performance of forward osmosis (FO) process is significantly affected by factors such as membrane properties, concentration polarization (CP), and fouling. In this study, FO performance of a plate and frame type membrane is investigated via a numerical simulation based on mass conservation theorem. To evaluate the FO membrane performance, permeate flux and recovery rate are simulated according to membrane orientation, flow direction of feed and draw solutions, flow rate, and solute resistivity ( K). In the case of membrane orientation, all-inside case, in which the draw solution faces the active layer, displays a relatively higher performance than all-outside and all-up cases. Notably, the membrane performance is highly affected by K indicating the extent of the internal CP. During the simulation approach, the spatial variation of the concentration profile was observed on a 2-dimensional membrane area; it was expected to cause a high diffusion load on a particular area of membrane, due to the relatively higher flux at that location. Moreover, it can result in unexpected fouling in a specific area on a membrane. Accordingly, the findings in this study suggest that the numerical simulation can be applied to optimize both physical properties and operation conditions, thereby ensuring cost-effective operation of FO processes. ► There is a considerable effect incurred by the membrane orientation. ► Spatial variation of concentration distribution and permeate flux was observed. ► Flow rate needs to be optimized for effective operation of FO processes. ► The membrane structure must be enhanced in order to attain better performance. ► The membrane properties are much more sensitive to FO membrane performance.