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AuthorJudd, S.J.
Available date2017-05-30T07:18:02Z
Publication Date2017-10-01
Publication NameWater Research
Identifierhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2017.05.027
CitationS.J. Judd, "Membrane technology costs and me", Water Research, Volume 122, 1 October 2017, Pages 1-9
ISSN00431354
URIhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0043135417303846
URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10576/5534
AbstractA reflection of the place cost analysis holds in membrane process technology research and development is provided. The review encompassed two membrane processes and applications: (a) Reverse osmosis (RO) for seawater desalination, and (b) membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology for wastewater treatment. The cost analysis undertaken extended to (i) the determination of operating expenditure (OPEX) trends using simple analytical expressions, (ii) the subsequent estimation of the sensitivity of OPEX to individual system parameters, and (iii) published data on CAPEX for individual full-scale installations or from cost analyses. An appraisal of the peer-reviewed literature through a survey of a leading scientific database was also carried out. This bibliometric analysis was based on authors’ keywords; it aimed to establish the profile of process cost for each of the two applications when compared with other popular related topics.The OPEX analysis, ostensibly through a consideration of specific energy demand in kWh per m3 permeate, revealed it to relate primarily to hydrodynamics in the case of RO, and to both membrane fouling and air scouring for MBRs. The bibliometric analysis of research trends revealed a marked difference in emphasis on cost aspects between the two research areas, with the focus on cost specifically being 16 times greater for RO desalination of seawater than MBR treatment of wastewater. MBR research appears to be dominated by fouling and foulant characterisation, making up almost a quarter of all studies, notwithstanding evidence from practitioners that other process parameters are as important in determining MBR process OPEX and operability.
SponsorThis work was made possible by the support of a National Priorities Research Programme (NPRP) grant from the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), grant reference number NPRP8-1115-2-473.
Languageen
PublisherElsevier
Subjectreverse osmosis
membrane bioreactor
seawater desalination
wastewater treatment
fouling
cost analysis
TitleMembrane technology costs and me
TypeArticle
Pagination1-9
Volume Number122
dc.accessType Open Access


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