Distilling plant - Week 8.pptVIP

REVERSE OSMOSIS DESALINATION Used extensively in small boats and yachts. Osmosis is a naturally occurring phenomenon in which the less concentrated solution of two solvents separated by a semi-permeable membrane will pass through the membrane to dilute the more concentrated solution until equilibrium is obtained. * * REVERSE OSMOSIS DESALINATION The process can be reversed by applying pressure to the high concentrated solution. The pressure forces freshwater to flow through the membrane leaving concentrated seawater on the other side of the unit. The operating temperatures are 60 to 80oF. As the temperature decreases, the output of the unit decreases. * * REVERSE OSMOSIS DESALINATION Unit pressure must be maintained. Pressures vary from 400 to 1000 psi. At 350 psi no fresh water will be produced. The osmotic pressure for seawater is 350 to 400 psi. Unit safety features Salinity indicator which will dump the fresh water when the quality get to a certain point. Differential pressure cutouts, which stop the unit at a preset differential. Output quality is 300 to 400 ppm Which is ok for human consumption, but not good enough for boiler feed water or for diesel engine jacket water cooling. * * Membranes typically need to be replaced every 18 to 24 months. Periodic cleaning of the membranes with chemicals helps extend the life of the membrane. Lay up chemicals are required to be introduced into the unit if it will not be used for a few months. * * * * THREE OPERATING CONDITIONS THAT AFFECT R/O PRODUCTION Osmotic pressure across membrane (ΔP) Flow rate of seawater across R/O Seawater temperature * * Never operate RO units while in port, as grease and oils may foul the membrane. Never run potable water through the unit that has been chlorinated as this will damage the cellulose acetate membrane and ruin the elements. Water should be chlorinated or purified using UV as the potential for bacteria from an RO unit is more likely than the fresh water pr