WatchWater is a global market leader for reverse osmosis (RO) systems components. These components include pretreatment cartridges, pumps, pressure vessels/housings, RO membrane modules and ancillary elements such as skids, valves and gauges. Existing and potential markets for RO on the global stage are identified. The goals are to provide meaningful information, unbiased analysis and a assessment of the roles that RO systems can play now and in the future of water technology.

The heart of an RO system is the membrane module. Though many different polymer types of semipermeable membranes are possible, the commercial market consists primarily of thin-film composite polyamide formed into spiral-wound configuration. Improved low-pressure membranes, large-diameter membranes and non-fouling membranes have been important technology trends. Currently a number of new material types are in development.

Pressure vessels/housings are critical elements in the sucessful operation of RO and nanofiltration (NF) or membrane softening systems. Fiberglass-reinforced plastic and stainless-steel pressure vessels are the predominant types asociated with industrial and municipal RO systems.

RO operation tends to fall into three distinct operating pressure ranges.

The low-pressure applications are in the 40 psi to 65 psi range.

The mid-range operating pressure for brackish water and wastewater is generally about 150 psi to 250 psi.

High-pressure RO is for seawater desalination and tends to last for the lifetime of the system or about three or four changes of the membranes.

Using membranes or depth filter cartridges prior to RO maximizes pure water production and minimizes the costs associated with chemical additives. Cartridges used for RO pretreatment can be depth filters, dead-end membrane microfilters or microfiltration (MF) operated in crossflow. With proper pretreatment, the RO system can meet design specifications resulting in optimum performance and the lowest overall expenditure.

Although pumps used in RO systems represent a relatively small percentage of total system cost, they must be selcted carefully to avoid inefficent operation, downtime or reduced productivity and return on investment. The choice of a proper pump is especially important in seawater desalination applications because of the corrosive atmosphere and highly demanding process conditions. Positive displacement plunger pumps or centrifugal pumps are most commonly used in RO applications. Booster pumps, a much smaller market, can be used in situations where normal system pressure is low but needs to be increased.

Numerous ancillary and miscellaneous components are needed to complete the construction of a large, complex RO system. Depending on system size and application, these may include valves, gauges, computer controls, hoses, piping, plugs, racks, skids, metering equipment and tanks for chemicals. What type and how many of these components are used in a particular plant depends on the site and size of the RO system.

For RO consumables, membranes and filters new as well as replacement sales are considered, please Contact us.