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Temperature Correction Factor for Reverse Osmosis Membranes


Performance of the reverse osmosis membrane element is affected by two key factors; temperature of the feed water and the net driving pressure across the element.  These two factors must be taken into account before comparing or evaluating the performance of a membrane element or a reverse osmosis system. 

The following information is provided to assist you in roughly calculating the affects of the temperature factor.  For information on pressure correction, please click here.

 The water temperature is one of the key factors in the pe5rformance of the reverse osmosis membrane element.  The higher the temperature, the more the product flow and vice versa.  All reverse osmosis membrane elements and systems are rated at 77º Fahrenheit (25ºCelsius).  To find the membrane permeate rate at a different temperature, follow these steps:

 Find the temperature correction factor (TCF) from the table Below.

Divide the rated permeate flow at 77 degrees Fahrenheit by the temperature correction factor.  The result is the permeate flow at the desired temperature.

Feed Water Temperature Correction Factor
ºC ºF
5 41.0 2.58
6 42.8 2.38
7 44.6 2.22
8 46.4 2.11
9 48.2 2.00
10 50.0 1.89
11 51.8 1.78
12 53.6 1.68
13 55.4 1.61
14 57.2 1.54
15 59.0 1.47
16 60.8 1.39
17 62.6 1.34
Feed Water Temperature Correction Factor
ºC ºF
18 64.4 1.29
19 66.2 1.24
20 68.0 1.19
21 69.8 1.15
22 71.6 1.11
23 73.4 1.09
24 75.2 1.04
25 77.0 1.00
26 78.8 0.97
27 80.6 0.94
28 82.4 0.91
29 84.2 0.88
30 86.0 0.85

EXAMPLE

Question
For a thin-film membrane permeate rate at 77 degrees Fahrenheit = 1800 gallons/day.  What is the permeate rate at 59 degrees Fahrenheit?

Answer
Temperature correction factor (from table) = 1.47
Permeate flow at 59 degrees Fahrenheit =   1800÷1.47 = 1224 gallons/day


Please Note:  For systems, more detailed calculations are necessary to take into account the effect of pressure drop and variation in total dissolved solids (TDS) throughout the system.   For more information, please contact us.

 
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