Development of a Large Spiral Module for Seawater Desalination by Reverse Osmosis

摘要

Work under OWRT Contract No. 14-34-0001-8573 was directed toward the development and testing of 12-inch diameter seawater reverse osmosis modules. The major development was the pressure tube assembly which resulted in the selection of an epoxy/fiberglass (FRP) pressure tube having an initial burst pressure in excess of 7200 psi. Safety as well as functionality was of prime importance. Twelve inch diameter spiral-wound elements containing 700 sq ft of active membrane were fabricated and ultimately tested at the Government Test Facility located at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. The modules provided performed well mechanically during the testing period verifying the tube design developed during the Contract. The elements, although sound mechanically, did not produce the quantity and quality of water originally anticipated. Chlorine in the feedwater caused some failures. It is suspected also that the product water channel material utilized may have contributed to lower than expected permeate flow.