The paper addresses the design optimization of seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) systems using network superstructures to facilitate the exploration of alternative designs. Based on previous efforts, distinct SWRO ‘design classes’ are explored that are based on a hierarchy of network size and facilitate a segregated and strategic design search, which allow for structural and operational variables to be investigated. The superstructures incorporate models that predict the performance of SWRO membrane elements, based on data obtained from commercially available simulators developed by SWRO membrane manufacturers. The models allow for the consideration of multiple water quality parameters within the feedwater stream, thus enabling the tracing of all the different components throughout the network. A case study for a typical seawater feed quality is presented as an illustration, in which SWRO network designs for three different network water recovery scenarios and two permeate quality constraints developed.
