Method of predicting membrane fouling in reverse osmosis process
US11484843B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2019 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D2321/40
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of predicting membrane fouling in a reverse osmosis process includes collecting information relative to the reverse osmosis process being performed over a predetermined period of time, the collected information including a process factor and a water quality factor, the process factor including a produced water flow rate; calculating a salt removal rate and a pressure drop based on the collected information; normalizing the produced water flow rate, the salt removal rate, and the pressure drop; generating a prediction equation using normalized values of the produced water flow rate, the salt removal rate, and the pressure drop values; and predicting membrane fouling through the generated prediction equation to determine a chemical cleaning time. Process and water quality factors are normalized to temperature and/or flow rate, and the prediction equation uses the normalized factors. Both short-term and long-term predictions are made for chemical cleaning time and membrane module replacement time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.