Numerical Simulation of Concentration Polarization to Estimate Gypsum and Calcium Carbonate Scaling on Membrane Surfaces

A. Santafé-Moros[1], J.M. Gozálvez-Zafrilla[1]
[1]Institute for Industrial, Radiophysical and Environmental Safety (ISIRYM) - Universitat Politècnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
Published in 2013

This paper shows a model to estimate the scaling parameters for reverse osmosis membrane processes. The model takes into account the concentration polarization of ionic species in the membrane channel of spiral-wound modules and the effect of the spacers on the flow. The scaling potential of calcium carbonate and sulfate carbonate (gypsum) salts were studied, as they are common sparingly salts causing precipitates in desalination plants. The results showed cases where localized membrane scaling occurs in spite of not having scaling conditions in the bulk solution. A parametric study was performed to show the effects of cross-flow velocity on the scaling potential. The developed model is useful to determine suitable operating conditions to minimize the risk of scaling.