Cellulose Acetate Membrane / Asymmetric Membrane
Cellulose Acetate Membrane / Asymmetric Membrane
higher rate of rejection at higher water flux but at lower operating pressure in
comparison with cellulose acetate membrane. These membranes were fabricated in
the form of hollow fiber membranes, which mainly used for well water and seawater
desalination. These membranes also have some special applications such as recovery
of electric deposit paints.
the positively charged cationic polymers which can foul the RO membrane. These
membranes have highly cross-linked structure.
Operating pressure of polyamide membranes vary between 150 – 400 psig, which is
lower than cellulose acetate membrane. Reason behind this is the thin rejecting layer
and microporous sublayer which have high permeability i.e. high permeate flow rate.
• Polyamide membranes have high rejection rate against salts and silica. Salt
rejection rate is more than 99% i.e. up to 99.7%. Salt passage for polyamide
membranes are 7-fold less than that of cellulose acetate membrane.
Chemical Structure of Polyamide Composite RO Membrane
Membrane Modules:
RO modules can be divided into four types:
• Plate and Frame
• Spiral Wound
• Tubular
• Hollow Fine Fiber
•
Sea Water Membranes:
Seawater membranes are accustomed treat high-salinity (35,000 to 50,000 ppm
total dissolved solids (TDS)) feed waters. These membranes will operate at
pressures up to one,500 psi. Typical membrane takes a look at conditions are as
follows:
• Feed water concentration: 32,000 ppm NaCl (sodium chloride)
• Operating pressure: 800 psi
• Temperature: 77°F
• Feed water pH: 6.5 - 8
• Recovery per module: 8 - 10%
Comparison of RO Membranes
Properties Value for Cellulose Value for Composite &
Acetate Membrane Polyamide Membrane
Membrane type Homogenous Homogenous asymmetric, thin
asymmetric film composite
Salt rejection Up to 95% More than 99%
Silica rejection Up to 85% More than 96%
pH range 4–6 2 - 11
Feed Pressure (Well Water) 200 – 400 psig 150 – 400 psig
Temperature tolerance Up to 30⁰C Up to 45⁰C
Surface charge Neutral Negative
Fouling tolerance Good Fair
Roughness Smooth Rough