What real-energy savings can the Low-Pressure PX deliver in a brackish-water RO or reuse application?

By incorporating the Low-Pressure PX into a low-pressure reverse osmosis (LPRO) system, you can reduce specific energy consumption (SEC) by up to 30% versus a system without energy recovery. The PX recovers pressure energy from the final-stage brine and transfers it directly to the incoming feed, reducing the work required from the high-pressure pump. The result is lower operating cost per cubic meter and a more sustainable reuse or brackish-water RO process.

What are the key design and reliability features of the Low-Pressure PX that help plant operators and OEMs minimize downtime and lifecycle cost?

The Low-Pressure PX is built with corrosion-resistant ceramic components and a simple design with only one moving part, delivering industry-leading uptime (~99.8%) and a design life of about 30 years, with no scheduled maintenance. It maintains high efficiency across a wide operating window (5.5–31 bar / ~80–450 psi) and flow capacities (≈7–59 m³/h or 30–260 gpm). Its modular, scalable format supports both retrofits and new builds, helping operators minimize downtime, simplify spares, and reduce total cost of ownership.

How does the Low-Pressure PX integrate into existing reuse or brackish water plants, and what benefits does that bring for footprint and retrofit risk?

The Low-Pressure PX integrates easily into new or existing plants because it’s an isobaric device installed on the final-stage brine line. It transfers that brine pressure directly to the incoming feed, which can reduce the required high-pressure pump size or allow reuse of existing pumps in retrofits. For OEMs and operators, this typically means a smaller energy-recovery footprint, fewer equipment changes, lower CAPEX, and a faster retrofit with less installation risk.

Image of the three pieces that make up the Energy Recovery Pressure Exchanger.

Pressure Exchangers

Pressure exchangers deployed in deployed in desalination, wastewater, and other industries provide an energy efficiency technology that is trusted around the world. With a long history of superior performance, the pressure exchanger technology is core to Energy Recovery’s reliable, high-performance products that help our customers optimize their operations and reduce their environmental impact.

Low-Pressure PX

Ideal for brackish water reverse osmosis and water reuse in municipal and industrial applications, our low-pressure PX solutions...

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High-Pressure PX

Including our gold-standard PX Q series, our high-pressure PX products provide unmatched energy recovery for large and small...

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Ultra High-Pressure PX

The key to lower energy use in wastewater treatment and reuse for ultra high-pressure applications, helping make zero and minimal...

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PX Q Series

Optimize your desalination or wastewater treatment for sustainability and energy efficiency

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PX PowerTrain

The PX PowerTrain™ pre-engineered energy recovery solution combines Energy Recovery’s trusted PX^® Pressure Exchanger^® devices...

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Related Industries

Building a more sustainable future where energy efficiency drives operational profitability.

Desalination

As the global need for freshwater becomes more critical, desalination—the process of turning saline water into freshwater—is becoming more important with each passing day. However, as vital as the process is, desalination consumes a significant amount of energy. We're here to change that.

Wastewater

Membrane technologies now offer an energy-efficient and cost-effective way to meet regulations requiring minimal liquid discharge (MLD) and zero liquid discharge (ZLD) for wastewater treatment.

Pressure Exchangers

Low-Pressure PX

High-Pressure PX

Ultra High-Pressure PX

PX Q Series

PX PowerTrain

Related Industries

Desalination

Wastewater

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