Cold feed water temperatures can cause havoc for reverse osmosis system operators. As water temperatures decrease, so can permeate water production rates. Permeate flow decreases by approximately 3% for every degree Celsius decreased.
Operators can attempt to combat production loss due to low water temperature by increasing the feed water pressure to the membranes. While this solution may compensate for the losses in flow due to lower feed water temperatures in the short term, it is not always a feasible solution. Pressure of the pump and RO equipment can reach their operating limitations; if these limitations are exceeded, the pressure may cause damage to the reverse osmosis system.
To combat the effects of cold feed water on reverse osmosis systems, Axeon offers its proprietary HF5-Series ultra-low-energy reverse osmosis membranes for tap, brackish and cold water applications. Featuring a low nominal operating pressure of 80 psi, Axeon HF5 membranes operate at higher efficiency levels compared with 100-psi membranes, thus reducing energy costs by up to 23% and increasing production up to 20%. Axeon HF5 membranes are now offered in all standard 2.5- and 4-in. membrane sizes. They are integrity tested and shipped dry for an indefinite shelf life.
