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Solar powered reverse osmosis desalination
Journal article   Open access

Solar powered reverse osmosis desalination

D. Harrison and G. Ho
Journal of Arid Land Studies, Vol.7S, pp.125-128
1998
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Abstract

A compact, solar powered reverse osmosis desalination unit has been developed that would not only provide fresh drinking water from brackish water, but do so with little attention or maintenance. Reverse Osmosis is the leading technology for brackish water desalination, but it is prone to fouling, and failures of the technology are common. The development methodology has been driven by the need to reduce the risks of fouling. Accordingly, low recovery ratios are used at reasonably low pressures. The energy recovery system, a key component, not only makes the low recovery ratio regime economic in terms of energy use, but also facilitates fully automatic start-up and shut-down as well as self-regulation during fluctuating insolation levels. Three units were produced with recovery ratios of 12%, 16% and 25%. The preferred model, the 16% recovery production unit produces 620mL per minute of fresh water from brackish feed in sunny winter conditions in Perth.

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