A new compact pump/energy-recovery device for reverse-osmosis (RO) seawater desalination is to be introduced early in 2013 by KSB AG of Germany.
The Salino Pressure Center consists of an axial-piston pump and an axial-piston motor, arranged on a common shaft. Driven by the diaphragm return flow, the axial-piston motor transfers its power directly to the pump shaft.
Compared with conventional energy-recovery systems with pressure-exchangers or Pelton turbines, KSB says that this design saves up to 50% in energy costs. The Salino Pressure Center is designed for RO systems with a capacity of up to 480 m³/d. The electric drive has a rating of 29 kW.
All components are resistant to seawater and dimensioned with low life-cycle costs in mind. An integrated control system can respond to fluctuating salt content in the seawater to be processed.
Field tests have been underway at various Middle Eastern sites since October 2012. In recent tests, the new compact unit desalinated 1 m³ of seawater with a salt content of 35,000 ppm at a power input of approximately 2 kWh.
As no piping is required between the individual components, the new system takes up minimal space, which makes it ideal for use in mobile container units. KSB claims to be the first manufacturer to supply this type of compact system for the RO process.