Flow Configuration

There are several flow configurations for RO that allow the user to get the most out of the system. This paper will cover a few of the techniques used in RO design to optimize system performance. These techniques include the use of concentrate staging and concentrate recirculation to increase recovery, permeate staging to attain ultrapure standards of separation, and permate throttling and interstage boosting to manipulate the flow distribution between stages. SYSTEM COMPONENTS RO systems consist of the following basic components: • Feed water supply unit • Pretreatment system • High pressure pumping unit • Membrane element assembly unit • Instrumentation and control system • Permeate treatment and storage unit • Cleaning unit The membrane assembly unit (RO block) consists of a stand supporting the pressure vessels, interconnecting piping, and feed, permeate and concentrate manifolds. Membrane elements are installed in the pressure vessels. The pressure vessel has permeate ports on each end, located in center of the end plate, and feed and concentrate ports, located on the opposite ends of the vessel. Each pressure vessel may contain from one to seven membrane elements connected in series.