Effect of membrane mean pore diameter on water and solute flux in forward osmosis processes

Several forward osmosis (FO) experiments were carried out using aqueous solutions of sodium chloride (NaCl) in different concentrations, as draw solution (DS), and freshwater, feed water (FW). The conducted at a constant temperature ~20°C symmetric cellulosic membrane two grades their values the molecular weight cut-off (MWCO), which is related to mean pore diameter. This study investigates effect diameter on flux DS solute diffusional across membrane. value indicates performance FO process, while an important factor that determines its practicality. A proportionality used specify relationship between for each type operational conditions. results this show increase concentration difference increases. It also found that, range tested membranes, membranes with larger diameters have lower higher flux.