Simultaneous reverse-osmosis tests conducted with centrifuges having multiple compartment heads are discussed. Equipment for retaining reverse-osmosis membrane is illustrated. Method of conducting tests is described

Hollahan, J. R.

Wydeven, T.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

September 1972	 B72-10413 
NASA TECH BRIEF
	 1 11  
-4r Ames Research Center 
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be directed to the Technology Utilization Office, NASA, Code KT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Rapid Evaluation of Reverse-Osmosis Membranes 
Cap	 Centrifuge
Support	 Effluent 
Ring	 Compartment 
The evaluation of reverse-osmosis membranes for 
flux and rejection of solute usually requires that a 
large number of tests be performed; ordinarily these 
tests are run one at a time because multiple hydro-
static pressure units are seldom available. However, 
most laboratories have centrifuges with multiple-
compartment heads, and these devices can be used 
for a number of simultaneous reverse-osmosis tests 
because sufficient hydrostatic pressure to induce water 
flow through membranes can be developed by centri-
fugal force. 
The cell shown in the diagram has been designed 
specifically for use in centrifuges. It is fabricated 
from stainless steel or Monel; the dimensions of the 
cell are proportioned to fit the available centrifuge 
head. The bottom portion, that is, the effluent com-
partment, screws into the upper portion of the cell 
(the feed compartment) and compresses the specimen
membrane and its porous stainless steel support 
against an 0-ring. A small hole in the effluent com-
partment permits equalization of pressure with the 
ambient pressure in the centrifuge. 
Membranes are cut with a die to the appropriate 
diameter. A single membrane is placed on the po-
rous stainless steel support, the feed compartment is 
screwed in place and filled with the test solution, and 
the assembly is placed in the centrifuge head; from one 
to eight cells can be accommodated in the usual lab-
oratory centrifuge. The centrifuge is operated at the 
rotational velocity which provides the necessary force 
to produce a desired water flux. After running for a 
sufficient amount of time (one to several hours), the 
flux is determined from the amount of solution col-
lected in the effluent compartment; solute rejection is 
established by analysis of the effluent and the solution 
remaining in the feed compartment.
(continued overleaf) 
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https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19720000412 2020-03-17T03:38:52+00:00Z
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questions, however, may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Ames Research Center 
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Reference: B72-10413
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: John R. Hollahari and Theodore Wydeven 
Ames Research Center 
(ARC-10659) 
B72-10413	 Category 04


Rapid evaluation of reverse-osmosis membranes

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