Reserve osmosis, called hyperfiltration, involves separation of a liquid, such as water, from the dissolved impurities by use of a membrane permeable to the pure liquid only. A high feed pressure is required to cause the fluid to pass through the membrane. Many variables affect performance of purification system using the hyperfiltration phenomenon. These include impurity rejection behavior, dynamic rates through the membrane surface, membrane strength, and structure. Research has been in progress at Villanova on both the theoretical and applied aspects of reverse osmosis since 1981 has established the need for a data base to allow improved system modeling. There are currently conflicts in the open literature and among active researchers. A resolution of these conflicts should do much to lead to innovation using this technique for new applications and a more productive program of research. This research should lead to improved prediction models which in turn can do much to guide manufacturers in the synthesis and production of improved membranes.
