DXV Water Technologies has designed a novel membrane system that uses natural pressure, a very low recovery rate and gravity flow of feedwater past the membrane surface, resulting in an elegant, efficient system. Since the invention of the reverse-osmosis (RO) membrane researchers have tried to harness natural water-pressure, but past attempts mimic onshore processes with their configuration, recovery and flux. This low-flux low-recovery process will require more membrane than traditional systems; however, the elimination of intakes, outfalls, pre-treatment, pressure vessels and piping, energy recovery devices and coastal land will result in a water cost that is below many traditional sources. In addition to substantial energy savings, environmental and economic benefits that the DEMWAX system offers include: Mitigation of ‘Brine’ Disposal – the extremely low-recovery operation results in ‘brine’ at approximately 2-3% more concentrated than the surrounding ocean. Mitigation of Impingement and Entrainment – the intake velocity is several orders of magnitude less than typical intakes, virtually eliminating impingement and entrainment. Scalability – the system can be readily expan ded with the addition of cartridges and pumps. This article was published in the May/June 2009 issue of Desalination & Water Reuse.
DXV Water Technologies has designed a novel membrane system that uses natural pressure, a very low recovery rate and gravity flow of feedwater past the membrane surface, resulting in an elegant, efficient system. Since the invention of the reverse-osmosis (RO) membrane researchers have tried to harness natural water-pressure, but past attempts mimic onshore processes with their configuration, recovery and flux.
This low-flux low-recovery process will require more membrane than traditional systems; however, the elimination of intakes, outfalls, pre-treatment, pressure vessels and piping, energy recovery devices and coastal land will result in a water cost that is below many traditional sources.
In addition to substantial energy savings, environmental and economic benefits that the DEMWAX system offers include:
This article was published in the May/June 2009 issue of Desalination & Water Reuse.