Modelling and experimental validation of osmotic driven energy efficient process for tea solution concentration

In the present study, freshly brewed tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) extract was concentrated using an aquaporin embedded hollow fibre membrane module (active area, 2.3 m(2)). The feed and draw (50g.L-1, NaCl) solutions were circulated via tube and shell side of the membrane module with flow rate of 60 and 20 L.h(-1) respectively in countercurrent mode. For dewatering, thermal and pressure-driven membrane processes are widely used in the food and beverage industries. These processes may not be economical beneficial compare to the forwarded osmosis process coupled with efficient draw solute regeneration process. The change in DS and FS concentrations were analysed using high performance liquid chromatography and ion chromatography. During FO experiment, the reverse and water flux decreased from (8.32 to 7.63) mg.m(-2)h(-1) and (10.33 to 8.49) L.m(-2)h(-1) respectively. The one-dimensional model of the Forward osmosis process was developed. The given model was validated using experimental data to predict the change in volume and concentration of feed and draw tank. The model predicted the experimental performance for aquaporin FO membrane within allowable error limits. The model developed can be successfully used in food processing industries for designing and optimisation of large scale FO process. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.