Turbochargers have come to dominate small and medium SWRO brine energy recovery applications by virtue of low CAPEX, easy operation and very good energy recovery efficiency.
The other function of the turbocharger is to help regulate brine flow and pressure to achieve the desired membrane operating conditions. Changes in feed temperature and salinity as well as membrane fouling and operating objectives require such adjustment.
This paper focuses on flow and pressure control of the brine stream in RO systems equipped with turbochargers.