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Download fileModified operation of a small scale energy recovery device for seawater reverse osmosis
journal contribution
posted on 26.02.2010, 16:16 by Alfredo S. Bermudez-Contreras, Murray ThomsonMurray ThomsonThe Clark pump reciprocating pressure intensifier is a well established mechanism for highly
efficient brine stream energy recovery in small scale seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO)
desalination systems. This paper describes operation of a modified Clark pump in which the roles
of the two pairs of chambers are reversed and the general arrangement of the complete RO
system is substantially altered. In particular, the low-pressure motorised pump that feeds into the
standard Clark pump is replaced by a high-pressure motorised pump that sits in parallel with it. A
conceptual comparison of the original and modified arrangements is presented, followed by a
discussion of the practical modifications made to a standard Clark pump in order to test the
concept. The initial tests were successful and results indicating specific energies in the range 3.5
to 4.5 kWh/m3 are presented.
History
School
- Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
Research Unit
- Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST)