New high-pressure pump for reverse osmosis
Frankenthal-based KSB Aktiengesellschaft has come up with a new high-pressure pump for the expanding market sector of seawater desalination via reverse osmosis.
The HGM-RO ring-section pump, which just hit the market last October, was engineered with particular emphasis on high reliability, easy maintenance and cost-effective design. Since pumps serving in a reverse-osmosis process have to press aggressive saltwater through membranes at pressures up to 110 bar and volume flow rates as high as 420 m3/h, the HGM-RO is made of high-quality special steel and built to be very robust.
Internal, medium-lubricated, fibre-reinforced plain bearings eliminate the need for conventional oil/grease-lubricated bearings, so no lubricant supply lines are required, either. Their short bearing span substantially reduces vibration levels and hence wear. Combining a suction impeller with a suction-end bearing, the HGM-RO displays very good suction behaviour, and thanks to its axial inlet, this new pump set is very compact and space-saving. Its single mechanical seal, on the motor end, is readily accessible from the outside. That, of course, greatly simplifies spare parts management.
Source: KSB SE & Co. KGaA
