Booster pump for desalination plants based on reverse osmosis

Seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) plants are playing an important role in supplying freshwater to communities that are struggling to find sufficient supplies. Sulzer is supporting these vital facilities with purpose-built pumps that are designed to optimise efficiency and reliability in this challenging application. The new ZF-RO is designed to match the technical requirements of energy recovery device (ERD) booster pump service. It combines the reliable design used in the ZF range, with extensive references for excellent efficiency both in hydrocarbon and desalination industries.

Freshwater is a vital resource that is diminishing in many areas of the world. Reverse osmosis is being used to treat seawater and create a cost-effective water supply for local communities. The cost to the consumers for their water is directly related to the running costs of the desalination plant. Consequently, optimising efficiency and keeping maintenance costs to a minimum means that plant operators can ensure an affordable water supply.

The launch of the ZF-RO pump complements Sulzer’s range of pumps that are specifically designed for operation in the desalination industry. The latest addition is tailored for delivering seawater, or similar liquids, across a wide performance range. For flexible operations, ZF-RO pumps are designed to operate with variable speed drives, enabling them to meet the process specifications as the booster pump for energy recovery devices.

Based on the ZF range that has delivered decades of service in the hydrocarbons industry, the ZF-RO pumps are fully configured designs to ensure minimal delivery times and extended service life. Improved efficiency has been achieved through state-of-the-art hydraulic and mechanical design contributing directly to lowering the cost of fresh water to the local population.

Manufactured from Super Duplex stainless steel, which offers excellent protection against erosion and corrosion, these pumps feature excellent reliability. The minimal footprint of the pumps makes for a compact installation, maximising the space within a processing plant.