High Recovery Continuous Concentration Reverse Osmosis Technology (HRCC Technology)
Introduction
With rising demands for high recovery and deep concentration in industrial wastewater treatment, conventional RO systems—limited by their design—struggle to sustain long-term, stable, continuous operation. Plum Membrane’s independently developed High Recovery Continuous Concentration Reverse Osmosis (HRCC RO) technology uses modular architecture and advanced automation to deliver continuous, efficient concentration at >90% recovery, providing a reliable and economical pathway for resource utilization of high-salinity, high-strength wastewater.
Background & Challenges
To reach high recoveries, conventional RO concentration typically relies on multi-stage trains plus intermediate tanks and feed pumps, resulting in large footprints and complex systems. Frequent CIP shutdowns drive up O&M costs and manual dependence, making continuous, stable operation on high-salinity, high-TDS feeds difficult. A more efficient, lower-energy, highly automated concentration solution is needed.
Process Overview | Process Overview
The HRCC process uses a modular N+1 configuration to achieve continuous operation and efficient concentration at 90–95% recovery. It automatically adjusts load to influent fluctuations and maintains production during CIP, enabling true 24/7 operation. Real-time monitoring and automated control optimize parameters to ensure stable product-water quality and concentration performance for high-salinity, high-strength feeds.
Process Flow Comparison
|
Item |
Conventional RO Process |
HRCC RO Process |
|
System Configuration Design |
2N grouping, manual switching; cleaning requires shutdown; multi-stage, complex layout |
N+1 automatic operation, auto membrane-group switching; no shutdown during CIP; fully modular and concise |
|
Single-System Recovery |
typically ≤75%; ≥90% requires an additional RO stage |
90–95% from a single train; simpler system |
|
Adaptability to Influent Fluctuations |
narrow control range; manual intervention required |
auto flow recognition with flexible load turndown/up across 30–120% |
|
Footprint |
multi-stage RO, intermediate tanks and feed pumps → large footprint |
compact layout; footprint reduced by ≈30–50% |
|
Continuous Operation Capability |
shutdown required for cleaning |
no production stoppage during CIP; 24/7 operation |
|
Automation Level |
cleaning and switchover rely on operators |
fully automatic operation/CIP/group switching/monitoring; no on-site intervention |
|
Cleaning Method & Effect |
manual cleaning; unstable dosing; membrane life impacted |
automatic dosing and full-flow CIP; controlled conditions; self-assessment of cleaning results |
|
O&M Costs |
high labor reliance, frequent maintenance, frequent membrane replacement |
high automation, low manpower, longer membrane life, lower overall costs |
|
Investment Costs |
complex system; higher CAPEX for trains/tanks/pumps |
slightly higher automation CAPEX, fewer components; overall CAPEX comparable |
|
Comprehensive Economic Benefits |
HRCC offers higher automation, stable operation, smaller footprint, and lower maintenance costs—superior long-term economics versus conventional RO. |
|
Process Flow
After pretreatment, feedwater enters the HRCC system. Multi-module series operation with dynamic switching enables high-ratio concentration and continuous permeate production. The system self-adjusts to flow fluctuations and maintains production during CIP. Concentrate is routed to subsequent treatment or resource recovery; permeate is reused or discharged to standards.
Process Highlights
Applications
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