Modeling of osmotically-driven membrane processes: An overview

Abstract

In the modern era, mathematical modeling is a promising tool to evaluate the forward osmosis (FO) and pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) systems process feasibility and check the outcome of performance parameters on the overall process without running it. The FO process is an energy-efficient and cost-effective desalination technique, and the PRO process is a promising renewable energy method that can generate energy by allowing different saline solutions to pass through a semipermeable membrane. This review paper critically analyses various mathematical models for FO and PRO processes. The paper provides an initial overview of FO and PRO, such as their operating principles, challenges, and potential applications. Then, it presents a detailed analysis of different mathematical models proposed for FO and PRO, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. The review covers theoretical and experimental models and discusses the role of parameters and variables in the modeling process. The paper concludes with a discussion on future research directions and the potential for improving FO and PRO through innovative mathematical modeling. This study helps researchers in chemical engineering, membrane science, and renewable energy fields and can serve as a valuable reference for future studies on FO and PRO models to enhance system efficiency.