This comprehensive business opportunity report evaluates the global markets for reverse osmosis (RO) system components. These components include pretreatment cartridges, pumps, pressure vessels/housings, RO membrane modules, and ancillary elements such as skids, valves, and gauges. Existing and potential markets for RO on the global stage are identified. The goals are to provide meaningful information, unbiased analysis, and an assessment of the roles that RO systems can play now and in the future of water treatment technology. Twenty-nine countries’ water needs are evaluated in four global regions.
The heart of an RO system is the membrane module. Though many different polymer types of semipermeable membrane are possible, the commercial market consists primarily of thin-film composite polyamide formed into a spiral-wound configuration. Improved low-pressure membranes, large-diameter membranes, and non-fouling membranes have been important technology trends. Currently, a number of new materials types are in development.
Pressure vessels/housings are critical elements in the successful operation of RO and nanofiltration (NF), or membrane softening, systems. Fiberglass-reinforced plastic and stainless-steel pressure vessels are the predominant types associated with industrial and municipal RO systems. RO operation tends to fall into three distinct operating pressure ranges. The low-pressure applications are in the 40 psi to 65 psi range. The mid-range operating pressure for brackish water and wastewater is generally about 150 psi to 250 psi. High pressure RO is for seawater desalination and tends to be in the 800 psi to 1,200 psi range. Pressure vessels are designed to last for the lifetime of the system, or about three to four changes of membranes.
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