Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water treatment method that can increase boiler efficiency and result in energy savings of up to 3-4%. It’s a very valuable piece of kit that requires relatively low maintenance.
To hear more about how a RO system can benefit your boiler, watch our CEO Alan Keogh below:
Here are some key points on how reverse osmosis can benefit boiler systems:
Water quality improvement:
RO is a highly effective method for removing impurities from water, including dissolved solids such as minerals, salts, and contaminants like bacteria and viruses. When used as a pretreatment step for boiler feedwater, RO can significantly reduce the levels of impurities that enter the boiler system. This can help prevent scaling, corrosion, and fouling of boiler tubes and heat exchangers, which can negatively impact boiler efficiency. Cleaner water from RO can lead to better heat transfer and less energy loss due to fouling, resulting in improved boiler efficiency and reduced energy consumption.Reduced blowdown requirements:
Blowdown is the process of removing a portion of boiler water to control the concentration of impurities. High levels of dissolved solids in boiler feedwater can require frequent blowdowns, leading to water and energy wastage. By using RO to lower the impurity levels in the feedwater, the blowdown requirements can be reduced, resulting in water and energy savings. This is particularly beneficial in areas where water is scarce or expensive.Reduced water treatment chemical use:
Boiler feed water is chemically treated to prevent scaling, corrosion and a neutral pH to the boiler system during operation. RO water treatment provides less impurities in the feedwater while also reducing blowdown and the rate of concentration of impurities in the boiler. This reduces overall chemical use on the boiler system.Lower fuel consumption:
RO can help reduce fuel consumption in boilers by improving heat transfer efficiency. Scaling and fouling caused by impurities in the feedwater can create an insulating layer on heat transfer surfaces, reducing heat transfer efficiency and increasing fuel consumption. By removing these impurities through RO, the heat transfer surfaces can remain clean and efficient, leading to reduced fuel consumption and improved boiler efficiency.Longer equipment lifespan:
Scaling and fouling caused by impurities in boiler water can lead to premature degradation of boiler tubes, heat exchangers, and other system components, resulting in increased maintenance costs and shorter equipment lifespan. RO as a pretreatment step can help prevent scaling and fouling, extending the lifespan of boiler equipment and reducing maintenance costs, thus saving money in the long run.
Environmental benefits:
Improved boiler efficiency through RO can also have environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production. Lower fuel consumption means reduced combustion of fossil fuels, resulting in fewer carbon emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.RO reject water reuse:
RO systems have a larger reject water flow (the water that carries away the impurities removed from the original feed-water) than classic water softeners. Other uses for this reject water flow can be found in the plant where the higher concentration of these impurities is not an impediment to operations in the plant. Area wash downs and/or equipment rinses are candidates to collect and utilise RO reject water.