Performance evaluation of two-stage spiral wound forward osmosis elements at various operation conditions

Forward osmosis (FO) is an emerging process in water industry for wastewater treatment, water reuse, and desalination. Although many lab-scale studies have been done, the data generated cannot be directly applied to a real pilot plant due to different membrane configuration and operating conditions. In this study, we evaluated commercial spiral wound forward osmosis (SWFO) elements in various operating conditions (draw solution concentration, flow rate, and element array type). First, we investigated the SWFO special structure (winding configuration of the draw flow path). Due to the structural characteristics of SWFO, the draw flow rate showed a high-pressure drop effect because of feed flow rate. Second, we studied the performance of different element array types. Both sides of flow rate change influenced the performance of pilot-scale SWFO by reducing concentration polarization and dilution effect. In addition, according to the type of SWFO element array, the flow rate had different role in water flux. We propose guidelines for the design and management of commercial FO processes to carry out element evaluation as directly applicable to pilot plant. This study can be used as an important reference for engineers in the FO process field.