Energy Recovery Devices (ERDs) are at the core of saving energy in the operation of any seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination facility. Isobaric or “positive displacement” devices such as the PX Pressure Exchanger are the most efficient solution available today and can reduce the energy consumption of SWRO systems by up to 60%.

This paper will examine and quantify the efficiency of PX devices based on an extensive database of actual test results. Significant historical performance data was evaluated and analyzed to validate efficiency figures and guarantee increased efficiencies for several PX device models, including the PX Pressure Exchanger models PX 220, PX 260 and PX 300 units. The existing models offer 96.8% efficiency guarantees, which in turn offer significant energy savings for plant owners and operators. Test data will also quantify the efficiency gains provided by Energy Recovery’s Quadribaric technology.

The PX Q300 incorporates Quadribaric technology, which doubles the number of pressure exchanges per revolution. The PX Q300 improves efficiency—with a warranted minimum efficiency of 97.2%.