| A proprietary nonporous hydrophilic pervaporation membrane was examined as a potential produced water treatment and irrigation reuse technology. Flat-sheet and corrugated tubular configurations of the proprietary membranes were analyzed, as well as a cellulose triacetate membrane for comparison. Membrane performance as a function of membrane thickness, vapor pressure difference and feed water salinity was analyzed. The cellulose triacetate membranes and flat sheet proprietary membranes exhibited flux rates of 0.97 -- 5.65x10-2 m 3 m-2 day-1 and 0.159 -- 1.19 x10 -2 m3 m-2 day-1, respectively, and both membranes displayed salt rejection capabilities ≥ 99%. The tubular proprietary membranes exhibited flux rates of 1.74 -- 5.74x10 -4 m3 m-2 day-1. The tubular proprietary membranes displayed excellent salt rejection capabilities (linear regression showed R2 ≥ 0.90 assuming 100% rejection), and flux rates were found to remain stable even as the feed water salinity increased over time indicating potential for long term use as an irrigation system. |
