Stanford University
What We Do › Separations Process Modeling & Design

Separations Process Modeling & Design

We advance the science and engineering of membrane-based and electrochemical separations for water treatment, contaminant removal, and resource recovery, with an emphasis on energy-efficient processes and circular water economy applications.

Research Overview

The WE3 Lab develops physics-based and data-driven models to design, optimize, and scale separation processes for water treatment and resource recovery. We study the transport phenomena governing membrane performance, build process simulation frameworks spanning unit operations from nanofiltration to electrodialysis, and develop techno-economic optimization tools that guide technology selection and system design across spatial scales.

Our modeling work is validated against experimental data generated in-house and through collaborative partnerships, bridging the gap between fundamental membrane science and full-scale process engineering. Priority applications include energy-efficient desalination, selective removal of contaminants of emerging concern, and recovery of critical minerals and nutrients from impaired water streams.

Projects

Technoeconomic Assessment of Brine Valorization from Brackish Water Desalination

Team Members

Caroline Adkins
Caroline Adkins
Carson Tucker
Carson Tucker

Overview

Desalination at inland brackish groundwater treatment plants is currently limited by high costs of concentrate management and disposal. With current methods, 5-25% of the feed is disposed of as concentrate, with 98% of disposal using conventional methods (i.e. no byproduct recovery). The levelized cost of water (LCOW) for current plants in operation ranges from $0.42-1.5/m3. This project aims to assess the technical and economic feasibility of industrial ecosystems to desalinate brackish groundwater and supply existing and potential markets for clean concentrate or other bulk constituents from the brine. Specific project goals include: 1) Developing location specific byproduct revenue models using market assessments, and 2) Creating treatment train schemas in WaterTAP for treatment and valorization of brackish groundwater and establish pipe parity cost and performance targets for brackish groundwater treatment.

Links

Research Brief

Supported By

  • National Alliance for Water Innovation
  • U.S. Department of Energy

Publications

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