Novel crossflow membrane cell with asymmetric channels: Design and pressure-retarded osmosis performance test

Pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) has the potential to convert salinity gradient energy to hydraulic energy via a semi-permeable membrane. The performance of an osmotic membrane is usually evaluated using a crossflow membrane test cell with symmetric channels. However, it is not possible to test a PRO membrane under conditions of large differences in hydraulic pressure because the membrane cannot be supported in the channel inlet and outlet with a cavity. In this study, we present a newly designed PRO crossflow test cell that features asymmetric channels on both sides of the membrane. This asymmetric design prevents membrane bulge and rupture in the channel inlet and outlet even at an applied hydraulic pressure difference greater than 54.5 bar. Excellent performance of this novel PRO cell was demonstrated using two different membranes at various operating pressures. To prevent membrane deformation at open spaces between spacer strands, a feed channel spacer should be selected carefully. Accordingly, the effects of tricot feed spacers with different voidages and thicknesses on PRO performance were also investigated.