ABSTRACT
The present work presents a theoretical modeling of a real reverse osmosis (RO) plant
from the hydrodynamic point of view. Mathematical models for all elements of the plant
have been developed including; booster pump; hydraulic filters; axial piston pump (high
pressure pump); RO membranes; hydraulic accumulator; reject header, and throttling
valve. These models have been simulated using SIMULINK 4 in MATLAB 6.1
environment. The pressure fluctuations of the axial piston pump have been determined
theoretically with and without using hydraulic accumulator in the plant system at
different flowrates and at different seawater salinities. Theoretical investigations have
been performed to predict the dynamic characteristics of the plant axial piston pump
and the RO membrane performance under normal and abnormal operating conditions.
Experimental investigations have been introduced in part 2 of this paper to verify the
theoretical model. The verified simulation model has been used to present a proposed
operational chart for the investigated desalination plant in case of working under
different seawater salinities and at different temperatures.