Reverse Osmosis (RO) has long been recognized as a reliable water treatment technology, effectively removing impurities from water. By applying pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane, clean water is separated from a concentrate of impurities. However, the evolution of RO technology has led to the emergence of High Recovery Reverse Osmosis (HRRO), which enhances efficiency and reduces operational costs.

Understanding Reverse Osmosis Technology

Standard reverse osmosis systems typically achieve a recovery rate of 70-80%. This means that for every 100 liters of water processed, 20-30 liters are discharged as concentrate. The limitation arises because the RO membrane can only handle a certain concentration of impurities before clogging, necessitating cleaning or replacement. While traditional RO systems are effective, they often fall short in maximizing water recovery, which is where high recovery reverse osmosis technology comes into play.

The Rise of High Recovery Reverse Osmosis

In recent years, advancements in RO technology have led to configurations that significantly enhance recovery yields, bringing high recovery reverse osmosis into the spotlight. This innovative approach offers several advantages over traditional RO systems.

The Advantages of High Recovery Reverse Osmosis

High Recovery Reverse Osmosis (HRRO) offers numerous benefits over conventional RO systems. Here are some key advantages:

Increased Efficiency and Cost Savings

Higher recovery rates can lead to substantial savings and improved efficiency throughout the desalination treatment process. By increasing the recovery rate of a water production RO system, less feedwater is required to produce the same volume of desalinated water. This reduction allows for smaller pretreatment systems and seawater intake, leading to lower construction costs and a reduced plant footprint.

Operational Cost Reductions

Smaller pretreatment and intake systems result in operational cost savings. Reduced pretreatment means decreased chemical and energy usage, while smaller intake pumps contribute to further energy savings. These operational efficiencies help offset any additional operational expenses associated with the HRRO process.

Enhanced Membrane Performance

Modern HRRO systems are designed to optimize flux rates across membrane elements and disrupt concentration polarization layers. This innovation improves membrane efficiency, performance, and longevity, allowing for higher recovery rates without compromising system integrity.

Zero and Minimal Liquid Discharge (ZLD/MLD) Cost Reductions

HRRO technology is also valuable in the zero and minimal liquid discharge markets. Its ability to concentrate brine to higher Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) values reduces the size and energy requirements of costly evaporators or crystallizers.

Applications of High Recovery Reverse Osmosis

High Recovery RO technology is versatile and applicable across various sectors:

Desalination: HRRO is particularly beneficial in desalination plants, where it maximizes water recovery from seawater, reducing the environmental footprint associated with brine disposal.
Wastewater Reuse: In industrial and municipal applications, HRRO systems can effectively treat wastewater, making it suitable for potable reuse. This is crucial in areas facing water scarcity.
Brackish Water Treatment: HRRO technology is ideal for treating brackish water, providing a sustainable solution for regions with limited freshwater resources.

Advancements in High Recovery Reverse Osmosis

Recent innovations in RO technology have led to configurations that achieve higher recovery yields. High Recovery RO systems are designed to balance flux rates across membrane elements and mitigate concentration polarization, ultimately improving membrane efficiency and longevity.

Flow Reversal Technology (FR-RO)

Developed and patented by ROTEC LTD, Flow Reversal technology (FR-RO) is a groundbreaking advancement designed for both new and existing RO desalination facilities. This high recovery technology addresses common challenges associated with desalination, leading to improved system performance, higher profitability, reduced operating costs, and a lower environmental impact.

Addressing Common Challenges

Biofouling and scaling are significant concerns for conventional RO technology. The ability to operate at high recovery rates offers a viable solution to these issues. FR-RO increases the volume of treated recycled water, providing a physical barrier against fouling and scaling, while also addressing the psychological barriers to water recycling, especially for potable reuse.

Performance Improvements with FR-RO

FR-RO dramatically enhances system performance compared to standard reverse osmosis systems:

– Increased Recovery: FR-RO can improve process recovery by up to 20%.

– Reduced Concentrate Volumes: It minimizes concentrate volumes requiring disposal by at least 60%.

– Lower Chemical Consumption: The system reduces or eliminates the need for anti-scalant chemicals.

This technology can be integrated into existing RO installations or introduced as part of new designs.

Veolia’s High Recovery Reverse Osmosis Technology

Veolia has developed high recovery reverse osmosis technology specifically designed to extract purified water from industrial, brackish, and wastewater sources. This technology guarantees a permeate water recovery rate of up to 98%, making it a versatile solution for various applications.

Mobile High Recovery RO Units

Veolia offers mobile high recovery RO technology, ideal for temporary treatment at industrial sites. This mobile unit can handle emergency needs and planned outages, achieving flow rates of up to 900 gallons per minute (GPM). The semi-batch operation enhances resistance to fouling and scaling, improving reliability and operational flexibility.

CaptuRO™ Technology

Veolia’s CaptuRO technology is an industrial-scale demonstration unit designed for onsite performance validation. By operating in semi-batch mode, CaptuRO minimizes membrane scaling and fouling while allowing independent control of water recovery and permeate flux. This adaptability leads to reduced brine generation and lower liquid waste disposal costs.

Waterleau’s Role in HRRO Implementation

Waterleau has emerged as a pioneer in the implementation of High Recovery Reverse Osmosis technology. Over the past five years, the company has successfully launched ten HRRO references, demonstrating its commitment to advancing water treatment solutions. Additionally, Waterleau has developed its own HRRO container capable of flexibly treating fresh to brackish water at flow rates between 8-20 m³/h.

This pilot system is available for rental, allowing customers to test the advantages of HRRO technology before committing to a full-scale project. By providing this opportunity, Waterleau is enabling organizations to experience firsthand the benefits of high recovery reverse osmosis in their water treatment processes.

AQUALITY® High Recovery Reverse Osmosis

AQUALITY® High Recovery Reverse Osmosis is a cutting-edge technology that operates at significantly higher recovery rates, typically around 90%, with peaks reaching up to 98%. This impressive performance is made possible through advanced RO membrane technology configured in an adjusted dynamic setup. In this system, the concentrate is recycled over the membranes until a specific pressure is achieved.

This dynamic approach allows for fluctuations in salt concentration and pressure during each cycle, enhancing the membranes’ resistance to biofouling and scaling. Furthermore, the system is designed to automatically adapt to changes in flow or turbidity, ensuring optimal performance under varying conditions.

Advantages of AQUALITY® Technology

The benefits of AQUALITY® high recovery reverse osmosis include:

– Higher Efficiency: Produces less wastewater, reducing the volume needing treatment.

– Lower Operating Costs: More clean water with less waste translates to cost savings.

– Flexibility : Adapts to changing water conditions without the need for constant oversight.

– Reliability: Resiliency against fouling and scaling cuts maintenance in half.

– Longer Membrane Lifespan: Producing less concentrated impurities extends membrane life.

Conclusion

As water scarcity intensifies, high recovery reverse osmosis is becoming essential for sustainable water management. With technologies like FR-RO, CaptuRO™, and AQUALITY® HRRO, industries can achieve higher efficiency, lower costs, and reduced environmental impact. For businesses seeking to optimize water use, investing in HRRO is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. Whether through mobile units, retrofits, or new installations, high recovery RO is paving the way for a circular water economy.

To explore the latest innovations in water and energy technologies, and discover a wide range of products and solutions from around the world, you can visit the virtual exhibition AQUA ENERGY EXPO which featuring leading companies in water treatment, desalination, and sustainable energy through the following link: https://aquaenergyexpo.com/