Global Water Intelligence presents Global Water Awards 2008

Axial Piston Pressure Exchanger Pump (Ocean Pacific Technologies)

Technology Idol

What is it?

California's Ocean Pacific Technologies' new energy recovery product designed for the RO market. The APX integrates an energy recovery pressure exchanger and an axial piston pressure pump.

Who is responsible?

The aim was to develop something that would be at least as efficient as isobaric energy recovery technologies, but simpler to apply. The result is a single unit that is both a high pressure pump and an energy recovery device that is more efficient than other, similar systems. The APX eliminates the need for most of the traditional instruments and controls through a 'fixed flow' design that precisely regulates product flow and RO system recovery.

The device is water lubricated, requiring no oil or other lubricants, and its axial piston rotary design eliminates the need for pulsation dampeners. Wetted parts are constructed of duplex stainless steel, ceramic, and polymeric materials, and the design provides a physical barrier to separate the concentrate from the seawater. Initially, units will be available for feedwater flows up to 35 gpm (190 m3/d) and pressures to 1200 psi (83 bar).


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