Techno-economic analysis of a membrane-hybrid process as a novel low-energy alternative for zero liquid discharge systems

Within the framework of a sustainable economy, industrial effluent management currently faces minimal liquid discharge or zero liquid discharge processes. To reduce energy consumption, forward osmosis has been introduced into zero liquid discharge system. The main disadvantage of forward osmosis is the high-energy consumption of the draw solution regeneration. Herein the regeneration stage is subjected to a techno-economic analysis using a novel membrane technology known as cascading osmotically mediated reverse osmosis. The objective of this work was the techno-economic study of water recovery from real effluents from the metallurgical industry, using a novel combined novel system. The liquid effluents employed in this work were real currents provided by Atlantic Cooper (Huelva, Spain). The experimental results showed that up to 75% of water can be recovered (for 20 L/m(2).h at 20% of sodium chloride). The specific energy consumption and economic cost of the novel hybrid process were estimated as 7.4 kWh(e)/m(3) and 6.05 $/m(3) of recovered water, respectively. Thus, this novel proposal seems a promising alternative for zero liquid discharge systems in the metallurgical industry.