High recovery RO

Unlock energy efficiency

High recovery RO refers simply to a RO system designed to produce a high volume of freshwater relative to the volume of feedwater. In seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO), the volume of freshwater produced (also known as the recovery rate) is typically about 40-45% of the volume of feedwater that enters the system. While it is technologically possible to achieve a higher recovery rate and can reduce capital expenses, it also requires more energy, driving up the operating cost of producing freshwater.

The SWRO industry has over time settled on a 40-45% recovery rate as the optimal balance between the volume of water produced and the energy required to produce it. However, with water scarcity worsening around the world and the use of RO in applications such as brackish and industrial wastewater treatment growing, interest in high recovery RO is growing as well. Energy intensity is the biggest hurdle to high recovery RO, significantly driving up operating expenses. Fortunately, this is where our PX^® Pressure Exchanger^® technology can offer great value to water producers—providing unmatched energy recovery and delivering efficiencies of up to 98%.