ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the process fundamentals, state-of-the-art and problems, and survey some of the research. It should be noted that there are a number of detailed reviews on reverse osmosis (RO) process, including a recent monograph now in press on RO membrane research. Based on state-of-the-art RO membranes, the process also has low energy and power requirements compared to electrodialysis at moderate concentrations of electrolytes, i.e., about 1,500 ppm or higher. In assessing the performance requirements of a RO membrane system, it is desirable to first define some of the relevant parameters. The chapter provides the critical performance and design parameters which determine the operating and capital costs of the RO process for desalination. All membrane systems undergo fouling and loss of flux with time even with the best pretreatment; which is reasonably economical. In addition to the loss of flux, salt rejection may also fall off as a result of chemical or physical deterioration of the membrane.
