Abstract Detail

Abstract

Nanofiltration (NF) technology is increasingly recognized as a vital component of seawater and brackish water desalination systems. NF membranes are designed to selectively reject divalent and larger monovalent ions, while allowing partial passage of smaller monovalent ions such as sodium and chloride. This selective filtration reduces scaling and fouling risks, making NF an effective pre-treatment for reverse osmosis (RO) systems. By optimizing water quality upstream, NF membranes contribute to extending the lifespan of RO membranes, improving overall system reliability, and reducing energy consumption and operational costs. This makes NF not only a technical solution but also a cost-effective and sustainable approach for modern desalination. Nanofiltration membranes, engineered with nanostructured materials, offer superior rejection efficiency due to their precise pore structures and surface properties, which are critical for effective water purification and desalination. This presentation investigates the potential of Ansys Fluent, a cutting-edge computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, to simulate, analyze, and optimize NF processes. Using advanced modeling techniques, this research simulates key operational parameters such as fluid dynamics, solute transport, transmembrane pressure, and fouling dynamics. Real-world complexities, including feedwater salinity, temperature variations, and fouling behavior, are incorporated to create an accurate and robust simulation framework. The study evaluates the effects of various operating conditions—such as pressure, flow velocity, and membrane configurations—on system performance, identifying strategies to maximize water recovery and energy efficiency. A significant focus of the study is the integration of NF membranes with RO systems in hybrid configurations. Hybrid NF-RO systems are demonstrated to deliver higher water recovery rates, lower operational costs, and improved scalability, making them ideal for large-scale desalination projects. The findings provide actionable insights into optimizing system design, reducing energy consumption, and mitigating operational challenges such as fouling and scaling. By attending this presentation, participants will gain a detailed understanding of the principles, applications, and performance optimization of NF technology. Furthermore, they will learn how to apply CFD tools like Ansys Fluent to simulate complex desalination processes, predict system behavior, and implement innovative solutions for sustainable water treatment. Engineers, researchers, and professionals in the water treatment industry will benefit from this research, which offers practical tools and strategies for advancing desalination technology.

Biography

Jai Sharma is a senior at Eastside Preparatory School in Kirkland, WA, with a passion for advancing nanotechnology in water filtration. His research focuses on developing cost-effective and sustainable nanofiltration systems to address global water inequities. Jai has conducted experiments analyzing cellulose-based nanofiltration membranes and explored their potential for salt and ionic material removal. Committed to real-world applications, he aims to design modular filtration systems powered by renewable energy to serve underprivileged communities. Jai's dedication to solving water crises reflects his belief in the transformative power of nanotechnology to improve lives and create sustainable solutions for the future.