Membrane which permeates solvent (water) but does not permeate solute (salt). In desalination, pressure up to 10MPa is applied to seawater which enables water to pass through the revere osmosis membrane, while the salt is excluded.
Currently, two types of material are used: bridged aromatic polyamides, and cellulose acetate. Membranes must withstand high pressure and also be resistant to fouling.
Desalination using reverse osmosis membrane results in drastic reduction (over 80%) of energy consumption compared with evaporation method, since no heating is required.
Reduction of atmospheric and other pollutants associated with reduction of fuel consumption is anticipated.
Large scale desalination plants can process up to 500,000m3/day, while consuming less than 3 to 5kWh/m3 of electricity.
System consists of water intake, pre-treatment, RO desalination, post-treatment.
Proper pre-treatment is a key.
Water Production Cost: 0.7 to 2.0 USD/m3
20 to 30 Months for EPC.
Japan Chemical Industry Association (https://www.nikkakyo.org/)
Technical Affairs Department (tel: +81-3-3297-2578)
Please see relevant page of the publication "Life Cycle Analysis of Chemical Products in Japan and around the world" (https://www.nikkakyo.org/content/life-cycle-analysis-chemical-products-…)