This digital experiment models a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane that separates a saltwater solution into a permeate stream (purified water) and a retentate stream (higher salt concentration solution). Reverse osmosis uses high pressure on the feed side (salt water) of a semi-permeable membrane to overcome the osmotic pressure. The experiment examines the effects of feed pressure and salt concentration on permeate flow rate and salt rejection. Reverse osmosis is used on a large scale to convert sea water to fresh water. Use the scroll wheel to zoom and drag mouse to move image.

This digital experiment was created in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at University of Colorado Boulder for LearnChemE.com by Jackson Dunlap under the direction of Professor John L. Falconer. It was prepared with financial support from the National Science Foundation (DUE 2336987 and 2336988) in collaboration with Washington State University. Address any questions or comments to LearnChemE@gmail.com.