Reflection Paper : Engineering Osmosis for Desalination, Separations and Power Generation
Engineering Osmosis is a transfer process that uses semi-permeable membranes. It aims to produce good and safe water from various sources. This technology has been devised for various technologies that serve as a potential platform for sustainable water treatment, separation and power generation. It needs to be introduced and adopted by various industries. This engineering technology is expected to produce clean and safe drink from any water source using lower energy. This innovation is still subject for deeper research as industries strive to get the perfect solute customization.
As discussed, there are different types of solute used: recoverable, useable and the disposable. There are also types of membranes that can be used in processes of osmosis such as the reverse osmosis and electrodialysis. Various membranes are also customized and design so as to arrive with the perfect transfer process requirement. The design of the system is also discussed showing schematic diagram of traditional and conventional system design versus the use of new technologies. Membrane technology can be derived from various materials such as cellulose triacetate, film composites membranes, etc.The search for the optimum type of membranes used for this technology must adhere to requirements such as:
- High permeability
- High selectivity
- Resistant to chemicals
- Thermal stability
- Possess mechanical strength
- Easy to fabricate
- High pressure tolerance
- Support thin, hydrophilic, highly porous and nontortuous layer
Various fields in science can establish deeper studies in relation with this technology. Synthetic chemistry can draw the design for solute for the osmosis process. Material science can search for the utilization of various novel membranes. Chemical engineering can oversee the overall design of the osmosis system. Various industries such as Statkraft, Oasys, and others have been adapting this technology and they are still in search for greater and advanced design innovation.
This lecture has opened my mind for the future venues for water sources with promises of energy generation. It was able to meet my expectations such that I gained new learnings, insights, and hope for the future. This relates to the practice of engineering such that the system design and overall process touches various fields of engineering. Science in application through engineering can help devise the perfect design for this system. The theories of the subjects related with this topic are put into application. There is also a challenge posed for the engineering to produce a system that can fit the objectives of producing quality water and at the same time using producing energy. This idea is a good basis for research for the good of the world and the generations to come.
The lecture was concise but not thorough. The topic about osmosis, its applications, uses, and potentials were discussed. The power generation side is not really explored to the optimum. I would want to hear more about the system generating power so as to address the real concerns of this world. It is an interesting topic that I would like to learn more as it offers solutions for the energy problem of the world. There is hope for water source as this promises water transformation from any source. The issue for the power generation, its optimum output and applicability holds a good promise for the betterment of the future as well.
