RO Flux Rate
In most RO wastewater treatment plants, the flux rate for the RO process is chosen in the range of 17 – 20 lmh. This is based on extensive research at pilot tests and commercial plants. Flux rate is important in a RO system because it governs the crossflow rate and mass transport rate through the membrane. The higher the mass transport rate, the more solids are drawn to the membrane surface. Spiral wound RO systems are based on the concept that the crossflow sweeps solids from the surface and keeps the membrane from becoming significantly fouled. There is an optimum ratio of crossflow to permeate flow to keep the membrane surface clean, and the energy consumption at a minimum. Also, if the crossflow becomes too low, the concentration polarization at the membrane surface becomes high. This causes the apparent ion and contaminant concentration at the surface of the membrane to be much higher than the incoming feed. Beta value is the measure that is used to determine the degree of concentration polarization. A beta value of 1.2, or 20% higher concentration at the membrane surface, is considered to be the maximum beta value that is typically allowed.