How does a decrease in temperature affect the RO membrane's efficiency?

A decrease in temperature typically results in decreased efficiency of a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane. This is primarily because the rate of diffusion of water molecules decreases as temperature falls. In an RO system, higher temperatures generally facilitate more rapid movement of water through the membrane, enhancing permeate flow and overall performance.

Additionally, lower temperatures can increase the viscosity of water, which further reduces the rate at which water can pass through the RO membrane. This detrimental effect on permeate flow leads to lower system output and efficiency. Therefore, as temperature decreases, the effectiveness of the membrane in separating contaminants from water diminishes, resulting in reduced performance.