PROCESS ANALYTICS
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse Osmosis Systems (RO)
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are used in a wide range of industrial applications for water treatment. Reverse osmosis not only filters dissolved salts from the water, but also removes contaminants and even nanoparticles (bacteria and viruses). The process is used to derive ultrapure water for power plants and pharmaceutical production, as well as for treating potable water and for desalination.
Keyfacts Application
Sector
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Application
3 Applications
- pH Loop to check permeate quality
- Cond Loop to check on module leakage
- ORP loop to check concentrated water
Measured Parameter
pH, Cond and ORP
Key Requirements
Inline measurement of pH value, ORP and conductivity
Measuring in ultrapure and concentrated Water
Application Description
In a power plant, the reverse osmosis system is used to produce the boiler feed water for steam production. The schematic shows of a typical boiler feedwater system based on RO technology. pH, ORP and conductivity need to be monitored after each RO step and in each RO train in the main header.
Requirements of Application
Monitoring reverse osmosis systems requires inline measurement of the pH value, ORP and conductivity. Adding a variety of chemicals during the process prevents organic or inorganic deposits from building up on the osmosis membrane. Imprecise dosing can lead to membrane damage and biological growth as well. As a consequence, systems must be shut down and cleaned extensively. The ability to measure micro conductivity values and the setpoint deviation of ORP and pH values is a key prerequisite for extending membrane service life and saving the cost of premature replacement The amount of chemicals such as chlorine and sodium bisulfite used can be significantly reduced when conductivity, pH and ORP are precisely recorded.
Why Knick ?
Knick’s conductivity sensor SE604 is the only sensor with removable outer electrodes for easy cleaning and handling. The recommended pH sensor SE558 has an extra electrolyte reservoir for accurate and stable measurements in samples with low conductivity. Fullest flexibility with Knick’s transmitters (e.g. Stratos Multi): one system for all measurement points with flexible parameter configuration.