Water is becoming a precious commodity throughout the world, which may seem strange given that two-thirds of the Earth is covered in it. However, due to a heavy concentration of salt, most of the water on Earth is not very useful in its current form.
Reverse osmosis is being used to produce drinking water from saltwater with increasing frequency, especially in the renewable energy industry. However, this process requires highly accurate and reliable flow monitors to operate effectively.
Overview
Osmosis is the natural tendency of a solvent, like salt, to move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the absence of any other action, merely separating saltwater and freshwater by a porous membrane will result in the freshwater gradually becoming saltier. Reverse osmosis is essentially the process of pushing saltwater through a membrane to remove the salt.
Process
A reverse osmosis desalination facility first removes larger particles that could clog the membrane. It then forces the saltwater through the membrane under high pressure to produce freshwater, which is then sterilized by some method such as ultraviolet light. Reverse osmosis is relatively efficient compared to thermal methods of desalination, although it’s still energy-intensive. In these cases, they’re often powered by solar power plants.
Flow Monitors
Reverse osmosis involves moving fluids through filters and semi-porous membranes, making it important to monitor flow rates. A flow monitor generally determines when the flow rate of water through a filter is outside a specified operating range. A reduction in flow can indicate a blocked filter, while an increase in flow can indicate a damaged filter. Flow monitors are typically connected to an audible or visual alarm, allowing operators to take appropriate corrective action.
ChemTec’s flow monitors and flow meters are a great addition to reverse osmosis systems. They can be installed to protect pumps, measure flow changes with multiple outputs, signal flow/no-flow conditions, monitor operating pressures, and much more. Whether you are looking for an adjustable or nonadjustable flow monitor, our team of experts can create custom solutions to fit any need. Contact our team to learn more about our products or to order your flow monitor today.
