Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
High-precision dissolved-solids removal via semi-permeable membranes for industrial and potable water purification
Under construction
Overview
Cube Consolidating Reverse Osmosis Systems use semi-permeable membranes to remove dissolved solids, salts, organics, and microbes. By applying pressure greater than the feed solution’s osmotic pressure, clean permeate passes through the membrane, while the rejected stream retains contaminants. This process ensures consistent water purity for potable, industrial, or process reuse applications.
Technical Highlights
- Operating Pressure: 2–17 bar for brackish applications; up to 82 bar for seawater desalination
- Recovery Rate: 75–90%, balanced for fouling avoidance and water reuse
- Membrane Rejection: >95% for standard TDS removal; can remove smaller organics, bacteria, and viruses
- Energy Usage: 2.3–5.5 kWh/m³ depending on feed salinity and recovery configuration
How Reverse Osmosis Works
Feedwater is pumped at pressures sufficient to overcome osmotic pressure—typically 2–17 bar (30–250 psi) for brackish water, up to 40–82 bar (600–1,200 psi) for seawater desalination. The driving force across spiral-wound or hollow fibre membranes (with pore sizes near 0.001 µm) causes clean permeate to permeate through while retaining contaminants.
Key performance is influenced by feedwater temperature, concentration, recovery ratio, and system pressure. Higher temperature increases permeate flow but reduces salt rejection; while overrecovery or concentration may accelerate membrane scaling—managed by pre-treatment and antiscalants.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional Purity: Removes up to 95–99% of dissolved salts, particulates, organics, and pathogens.
- Water Reuse & Cost Efficiency: Can recover up to 90% of feedwater, supporting sustainability and reducing raw water consumption and disposal costs.
- Compact Modular Designs: Skid-mounted units suit confined spaces, retrofit scenarios, and rapid deployment.
- Reduced Chemical Dependency: Proper pre-treatment (e.g. softening, media filtration, antiscalant dosing) lowers fouling risk and maintenance overhead.
System Components & Features
Cube Consolidating RO systems typically include:
- High-pressure feed pumps and energy-recovery devices
- Spiral-wound or hollow-fiber membrane modules
- Pre-treatment stages: media filtration, cartridge filters, antiscalant dosing, pH adjustment
- Pressure and flow control valves, concentrate and permeate lines
- Permeate storage tank and level monitoring
- Modular, skid-based or plant-integrated footprints using materials compatible with feed chemistry
Industries Where RO Is Used
Cube Consolidating RO plants are suitable for:
- Potable Water Production – desalination of brackish or softened water
- Food & Beverage – ingredient water, process water, boiler feed, and BOD/COD reduction
- Municipal & Industrial Wastewater – final polishing or reuse systems
- Mining & Chemicals – high-purity process water as well as support for metal recovery
- Pharmaceutical – for high-spec purified or deionized water
- Agriculture – irrigation water softening and saline water reuse
Customization & Integration
Key areas Cube Consolidating tailors include:
- Membrane selection and recovery target (e.g. 75–90%)
- Pressure vessel design and cascade configurations
- Pre-treatment sequence: filtration, scaling control, pH correction
- Controls including flux maintenance, cleaning cycles, and system diagnostics
- Materials of construction (stainless, FRP) matched to feedwater chemistry
- Full 3D design and integration with existing treatment lines