Modeling of mass transport of aqueous solutions of multi-solute organics through reverse osmosis membranes in case of solute-membrane affinity

The developed model is used to simulate the performance of cellulose acetate membrane in aqueous toluene-benzene systems by varying the operating pressure and mole fraction of toluene/benzene system. Generally, the separation of both solutes will decrease as the operating pressure is increased, with toluene having higher separations than benzene. The permeation flux also decreases with increasing operating pressure. However, the permeation flux of mixture increases as solutes concentration in feed solution is increased. The solutes separation values are higher at higher solutes concentrations of the feed.