Development of reverse osmosis membrane seawater desalination in Japan

Abstract

The seawater desalination facilities by reverse osmosis membranes in the world are reviewed. The largest seawater desalination facility using reverse osmosis started its operation at Chatan water purification plant in Okinawa prefectural water works. The high-efficiency seawater desalination technology which improves the recovery ratio of fresh water up to 60% developed by a manufacturing company of reverse osmosis membranes in Japan is explained. Finally the state of the art of desalination technology development using reverse osmosis membranes is discussed.

Analysis of reverse osmosis membrane performance during desalination of simulated brackish surface waters

“…In general, seawater reverse osmosis membranes are fouled by organic matters, particulate materials, and biological growth. Colloidal particles such as clays and flocs, and suspended particles, such as aluminum and iron silicates, form a cake-layer on the membrane surface, while dissolved inorganic materials such as calcium carbonate cause fouling by interacting with the surface of the membrane (Greenlee et al, 2009;Reverter et al, 2001;Magara et al, 2000;Amjad et al, 1996). However, brackish water reverse osmosis membranes are fouled by inorganic materials, such as calcium sulfate and calcium carbonate, and the most important fouling factor of the dissolved inorganic materials is concentration polarization (Greenlee et al, 2009).…”

Sodium Hydroxide Production from Seawater Desalination Brine: Process Design and Energy Efficiency

“…At higher pH, aqueous boron compounds, toxic to human 18 and plant 19,20 health, exist primarily as charged borate species, which are better rejected by RO membranes. 21,22 Undesirable heavy metals and hardness, which can cause membrane scaling, can also be precipitated at high pH. 23,24 The use of caustic soda can hinder biofouling as well.…”

Foulant Analysis of Three RO Membranes Used in Treating Simulated Brackish Water of the Iraqi Marshes

“…In general, seawater reverse osmosis membranes are fouled by organic matter, particulate materials, and biological growth. Colloidal particles such as clays and flocs, and suspended particles such as aluminum and iron silicates, form a caked-on layer on the membrane surface, while dissolved inorganic materials such as calcium carbonate cause fouling by interacting with the surface of the membrane [ 5 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. However, brackish water RO membranes are fouled by inorganic materials, such as calcium sulfate and calcium carbonate, and the most important fouling factor for dissolved inorganic materials is concentration polarization [ 5 ].…”