Work

Introducing ultra-high-pressure low-salt-rejection reverse osmosis for energy-efficient concentration of industrial brines

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Graphical Abstract,This study evaluates a membrane-based process consisting of Ultra-High-Pressure Reverse Osmosis (UHPRO) and Ultra-High-Pressure Low-Salt Rejection Reverse Osmosis (UHP-LSRRO) at 120 bar, combined with the latest energy recovery technology, in the context of brine concentration. Energetic considerations and efficiency analysis are based on experimental investigations using available industrial-scale equipment, including the application-specific performance of the membrane elements and the energy recovery device.,With the membrane module prototype in this study, a maximum NaCl concentration of around 170 g/L was determined. A simple and robust plant design combining UHPRO and UHP-LSRRO is proposed, and the integration of energy recovery is considered. Simple design and energy efficiency are the factors deciding and limiting the overall applicability and efficiency of such a high-pressure process.

Source: Water Resources and Industry

DOI: 10.1016/j.wri.2025.100303