Performance and energy consumption evaluation of a fertiliser drawn forward osmosis (FDFO) system for water recovery from brackish water

Agriculture consumes approximately 70% of total freshwater worldwide. With limited freshwater resources, alternative water resources are required. This study investigated the performance of a fertiliser drawn forward osmosis (FDFO) system for water recovery from synthetic brackish water with repeate...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Desalination 2019-04, Vol.456, p.64-73
Main Authors: Lambrechts, R., Sheldon, M.S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Draw solution
Energy consumption
Fertiliser-drawn forward osmosis
Flow rate
Forward osmosis
Membrane orientation
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Summary:Agriculture consumes approximately 70% of total freshwater worldwide. With limited freshwater resources, alternative water resources are required. This study investigated the performance of a fertiliser drawn forward osmosis (FDFO) system for water recovery from synthetic brackish water with repeated use of a cellulose triacetate (CTA) FO membrane under varying fertiliser draw solution (DS) concentrations (0.5, 1 and 2 M KCl); membrane orientations (FO vs PRO) and flow rates (100, 200 and 400 mL/min); with the corresponding effects on the specific energy consumption (SEC). Results demonstrated a robust CTA membrane with no damage. An increased DS concentration from 0.5 to 1 M KCl contributed to a three-fold increase in flux, followed by a 30 to 50% increase for 2 M KCl and a reduced SEC. Membrane orientation and flow rate had insignificant effects on performance, however, flow rate contributed to an SEC increase. FO mode at a lower flow rate combined with a higher DS concentration produced the lowest possible SEC. The study illustrated a potential lower energy process for water recovery from synthetic brackish water whilst at the same time producing a diluted fertiliser that could potentially be used for fertigation. •Synthetic brackish water recovery produced a diluted fertiliser solution.•Cellulose triacetate membrane with no observed membrane damage after repeated use.•Draw solution concentration increased system performance and decreased SEC.•Membrane orientation did not affect system performance nor SEC.•Flow rate did not affect system performance but had a significant effect on SEC.
ISSN:0011-9164
1873-4464
DOI:10.1016/j.desal.2019.01.016