Characterization and Performance Relationships for a Commercial Thin Film Composite Membrane in Forward Osmosis Desalination and Pressure Retarded Osmosis

Abstract

This paper presents performance data for an early generation thin film composite membrane from Oasys Water. These tests sought to measure the membrane’s basic chemical and morphological characteristics with additional testing to measure benchmark performance in both seawater-riverwater pressure retarded osmosis and forward osmosis desalination using the ammonia-carbon dioxide draw solution. In pressure retarded osmosis the membrane exhibited compaction which increased structural parameter. While in forward osmosis desalination, substantial cation flux was observed using the ammonia-carbon dioxide draw solution.