Forward Osmosis (FO)
Advanced Membrane Separation using Forward Osmosis Technology
GreenPebble Technologies is an innovation-driven water and wastewater treatment solutions provider based in India. We design, manufacture and supply proprietary Forward Osmosis membrane, module and plant systems – for applications such as ZLD, wastewater treatment and recycle, seawater desalination, industrial effluent treatment plants etc.
Forward Osmosis (FO) is an advanced and sustainable membrane separation process, where a semi-permeable thin-film composite membrane generates water flux using a concentration gradient across the membrane. This way it is possible to recover, concentrate, separate or purify valuable feed sources and generate fresh water with minimal energy and pressure requirements.
FO is considered to be promising technology due to its operational and process-related advantages over conventional technologies.
As FO is relying on osmotic pressure generated by concentration gradient across the membrane- to extract clean and fresh water from feed source-, unlike any other pressure-driven membrane process, there is no need to apply additional hydraulic pressure on a feed side.
In FO, the water recovery is accomplished using concentrated draw solution to generate a concentration gradient across the membrane, which gives recovered water mixed with draw solution. Essentially, FO requires a subsequent draw solution regeneration step where the separation of product water and draw solution is accomplished. The draw recovery section is an essential step for the continuity of integrated operation in FO.
GPT uses a proprietary arrangement of membrane system along with FO to recover product water and reconcentrate the draw solution. Depending on feed source, inlet quality parameters, and overall treatment goals, GPT customizes the plant configuration to regenerate draw solution including RO, NF or membrane distillation (MD).
Applications of Forward Osmosis (FO)
Brine Minimisation for RO Concentrate
Dewatering or concentration of high-value product stream
Sea Water Desalination
Concentration and separation of food, beverage or pharma products
Resource recovery of valuable products or minerals
Our pilot and commercial results showed successful outcomes for our clients in achieving around 70-80% of water recovery and a 50% reduction in energy consumption.
Advantages of Forward Osmosis (FO)
High water recovery
Low operational pressure
Simple, easy and integrated design
Minimized waste
Low energy consumption per unit of water recovered
Low capital investment
Low operation and maintenance costs
Less fouling and scaling
Longer membrane life
Ability to treat complex wastewater
Modular structure