Control valves for challenges of reverse osmosis applications

18 April, 2019

Looking more closely at this application confirms that osmosis occurs when a dilute solution passes from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration through an osmotic membrane and reverse osmosis is the opposite of this. Reverse osmosis plants work on the principle of creating a differential pressure across a semi-permeable membrane.

Pressure is applied to the salt water on one side of the membrane until it exceeds the osmotic pressure which causes fresh water to cross the membrane while holding the solutes (salt) back. The pressures required to desalinate seawater are in the range of 50 – 60 Bar and must be controlled accurately to ensure that the membranes are protected from damage.

Salt water is extremely corrosive and high-pressure components should be manufactured in high quality corrosion resistant materials. The Badger Meter RC250 barstock control valve is ideal for these types of applications.

Machined from 316L, 904L or duplex stainless steel, the valve provides a high level of corrosion resistance combined with accurate pressure control. For reverse osmosis applications, the valves are supplied with 240v, 110v, or 24v DC electric actuators which are suitable for a seawater environment with position feedback and 3-point control.

The valves are available in sizes including 1/4”, ½”, ¾” and 1” with end connections in ¼”, 3/8”, ½”, ¾” and 1” NPT or weld. Badger valves benefit from a compact and simple modular construction and are ideally suited for the control of liquids, gasses or steam in industrial, research or process pilot plants.

They are designed to handle system pressures of up to 340 Bar (100 bar if fitted with bellows) and are available with trims with a CV range of 0.0000018 to 6.0 and will withstand temperatures of -70degC up to 530degC. Seal options include; PTFE, PTFE/Kalrez, Grafoil, REK fugitive emission control (0ppm at 15psi, leakage based) Bellows, Double Packing and Double Packing with purge port. Special versions of the valves are available for handling pressures up to 4000 Bar.

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