From Off-The-Shelf to Custom RO Systems for Industrial Applications

Purified water is an essential component for a wide range of industrial applications. The need for clean, pure water that adheres to stringent standards is paramount in numerous sectors, spanning everything from the food and beverage industry to hydrogen production and controlled environment agriculture. One of the most effective technologies in water purification is reverse osmosis (RO). Newterra offers a range of RO systems that accommodate various needs, from off-the-shelf systems to customized options. Let’s dive into the topic of industrial RO systems.

Understanding Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis is a water purification process that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles from water. It works by applying pressure to the water on one side of the membrane, forcing the pure water to pass to the other side while the contaminants are left behind. 

In commercial and industrial applications, where large volumes of high purity treated water are required, RO systems commonly operate at pressures greater than 1,000 PSI. Most commercial and industrial applications use multiple membranes in series. RO systems are incredibly effective at removing impurities from water, able to remove up to 99.8% of contaminants.

Here are some of the contaminants that reverse osmosis systems can remove:

• Protozoa, like Giardia and Cryptosporidium
• Bacteria, such as E-coli, Shigella, Salmonella, and Campylobacter
• Viruses like Rotavirus, Norovirus, and Hepatitis B
• Chemical contaminants, including Lead, Chromium, Copper, Chloride, Sodium
• Sediment, sand, and rust
• Chlorine, VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), sediment, and odors
• Salt, minerals, fluoride, calcium, arsenic and herbicides and pesticides

Off-The-Shelf vs. Customizable Systems

When selecting a reverse osmosis (RO) system, you’ll need to consider whether to opt for pre-made, off-the-shelf systems or invest in a personalized, customized solution. Off-the-shelf systems are readymade, standardized solutions designed to tackle a wide range of common water treatment needs. They’re typically easy to operate, require minimal setup, and are cost-effective, especially for smaller operations.

On the other hand, customizable systems are tailored to meet specific needs, often for larger or more complex operations. These systems can be designed to handle higher flow rates, particular contaminants, or unique operating conditions. While they may require a higher initial investment, their bespoke design can lead to greater long-term efficiency and cost savings.Newterra’s EPRO line of products represents an off-the-shelf solution, while the Delta RO systems and other custom systems from Newterra represent tailored, bespoke solutions.

Off-The-Shelf: EPRO Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Systems

Customizable: Delta RO Systems

For businesses that require a more targeted approach to water treatment, Newterra’s Delta RO systems offer customizable solutions. These systems are designed with a range of advanced features that can be tailored to the application’s specific needs.

Delta RO systems are built with high-quality components, including 300 PSIG rated fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reverse osmosis vessels, 5-micron nominal stainless-steel body pre-treatment cartridge filter, and a vertical, multi-stage centrifugal booster pump. They also feature a lug-style pneumatically actuated feed butterfly valve, a stainless steel globe valve for reject flow control, and NSF International (NSF) certified paddlewheel-style flowmeters.

These systems can be further customized with optional features like ASME code stamped vessels, substitution of flowmeters for magnetic-type flowmeters, stainless steel low-pressure piping, and feed re-pressurization pumps, among others.

Learn more about the DELTA Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

Real-World Applications

The effectiveness of RO systems is astounding; they can remove up to 99.8% of impurities from water, including bacteria and dissolved solids. The result is water that is low in minerals and alkalinity, ideal for a variety of industrial applications. Examples of specific industrial applications:

• Food and Beverage Industry: In the food and beverage industry, water purity can directly impact product quality. Breweries, for instance, often rely on RO systems to purify their water, as the mineral content of water can significantly affect the taste of the beer. Similarly, boiler feedwater must be of high quality to prevent scale formation and corrosion, which can lead to inefficiency and equipment failure.
• Hydrogen Production: In hydrogen production, clean water is crucial. The electrolysis process used to produce hydrogen requires a consistent supply of pure water to prevent contamination of the hydrogen gas and damage to the electrolysis equipment. RO systems can deliver this high-purity water, ensuring efficient and safe hydrogen production.

• Controlled-Environment Agriculture (CEA): Controlled-environment agriculture is a technology-driven approach to crop production, leveraging precision technology and environmental control to optimize plant growth and increase production efficiency. In this industry, water quality is crucial. Newterra’s RO systems can deliver high-quality water, free from contaminants that could negatively impact plant growth.
• Energy and Power Boiler Feedwater: In the energy and power generation industry, boiler feedwater must meet strict quality standards to prevent boiler damage and inefficiency. Contaminants in the water can lead to scale formation, corrosion, and foaming, all of which can impact the efficiency and lifespan of the boiler. RO systems are often used to purify boiler feedwater, ensuring it meets the necessary standards.
• Textiles Industry: The textile industry often generates significant amounts of wastewater that contains harmful contaminants and chemicals. RO systems can play a crucial role in water recycling efforts, purifying wastewater for reuse within the facility. This not only reduces the operation’s environmental footprint but also leads to cost savings through reduced water usage.
• Pulp and Paper: When paired with other membrane technologies, ion exchange systems, or other pre-treatment steps, reverse osmosis can be a great solution for paper and pulp facilities looking to lower wastewater volumes, cut energy consumption, and treat groundwater or process water.
• Wastewater Treatment: Reverse osmosis systems are instrumental in domestic and industrial wastewater treatment, effectively purifying effluent and brackish groundwater. Utilizing RO as a filtration method removes impurities and contaminants, rendering the treated water safe for various applications. RO’s molecular-level separation and filtration capabilities ensure water meets rigorous quality standards, contributing significantly to environmental protection and sustainable water resource management.

Groundwater Remediation: From municipal initiatives and commercial development to oil and gas, manufacturing, and recycling, reverse osmosis systems are a cornerstone in remediating contaminated groundwater, effectively eliminating impurities and contaminants to meet stringent requirements. RO’s molecular-level separation and filtration capabilities are pivotal in safeguarding environmental integrity and resource management.

Choose the Right RO Solution for Your Unique Applications

Whether in the food and beverage industry, hydrogen production, or controlled-environment agriculture, the choice between off-the-shelf and customizable RO systems will depend on your specific needs. Both types of systems have their advantages and can deliver high-quality, pure water for a range of industrial applications.

Companies like Newterra, with their EPRO and Delta RO lines, offer the flexibility and expertise to help you find the right solution, whether it’s a standard system or a customized solution. The right RO system can not only resolve your water treatment challenges but also contribute to cost savings, efficiency, and sustainability in your operations. Feel free to contact us to discuss your specific reverse osmosis requirements and explore the perfect solution for your applications.