An agent-based simulation with NetLogo platform to evaluate forward osmosis process (PRO Mode)

Authored by Seyed Mahmoud Mousavi, Mostafa Taherian, Hooman Chamani

Date Published: 2018

DOI: 10.1016/j.cjche.2018.01.032

Sponsors: No sponsors listed

Platforms: NetLogo

Model Documentation: Other Narrative Flow charts Mathematical description

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

Forward osmosis (FO), as an emerging technology, is influenced by different factors such as operating conditions, module characteristics, and membrane properties. The general aim of this study was to develop a suitable (flexible, comprehensive, and convenient to use) computational tool which is able to simulate osmosis through an asymmetric membrane oriented in pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) mode in a wide variety of scenarios. For this purpose, an agent-based model was created in NetLogo platform, which is an easy-to-use application environment with graphical visualization abilities and well suited for modeling a complex system evolving over time. The simulation results were validated with empirical data obtained from literature and a great agreement was observed. The effect of various parameters on process performance was investigated in terms of temperature, cross-flow velocity, length of the module, pure water permeability coefficient, and structural parameter of the membrane. Results demonstrated that the increase in all parameters, except structural parameter of the membrane and the length of module led to the increase of average water flux. Moreover, nine different draw solutes were selected in order to assess the influence of net bulk osmotic pressure difference between the draw solution (DS) and feed solution (FS) (known as the driving force of FO process) on water flux. Based on the findings of this paper, the performance of FO process (PRO mode) can be efficiently evaluated using the NetLogo platform. (C) 2018 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press. All rights reserved.

Tags

Agent-based model Simulation Water System Desalination Membranes Power-generation Internal concentration polarization Mutual diffusion-coefficients Flux behavior 25-degrees-c Forward osmosis (pro mode) Netlogo platform Water flux Pressure retarded osmosis Draw