Feb 4, 2025
Saltworks Technologies successfully concluded a FusionRO field trial desalinating Permian Basin produced water. The project confirmed safe and reliable operation at 1800 psi and validated FusionRO’s simplified two-loop ultra-high-pressure RO/NF configuration. The trial also provided valuable insights into membrane health, revealing a pathway to achieve economically sustainable long-term operation of reverse osmosis systems on Texan produced water.
FusionRO is Saltworks’ ultra-high-pressure RO/NF membrane brine concentrator (MBC). Also known as low salinity rejection reverse osmosis (LSRRO) more broadly in industry, Saltworks’ FusionRO differs in that it has two 1800 psi RO/NF stages versus others’ four 1200 psi stages. Saltworks system simplification reduces equipment count and control complexity while offering greater potential for expansion in the future.
As produced waters become more saline over time, the water recovery of reverse osmosis-based MBCs will be limited by osmotic pressure. Given the cost of pretreatment, it’s important to maximize MBC water recovery. The 1800 psi two-stage configuration can be expanded to a three-stage plant LSRRO system, whereas a 1200 psi system would require five to six stages, becoming excessively complex.
During the 24-7 trial, FusionRO operated largely automated in live field conditions. The testing reinforced the importance of an integrated system inclusive of upstream treatment for produced water membrane foulants. Insights from the Permian trial inform future engineering work to protect membrane integrity and drive MBCs to higher water recoveries on hypersaline water sources.
Saltworks offers thermal brine concentrators, as well as membrane brine concentrators, and takes an objective approach to developing and applying treatment technologies. This produced water trial showed that MBCs have a bright future, offering compelling capital and energy cost savings over thermal systems.
Contact Saltworks’ engineering team to review your treatment goals and determine whether membrane, thermal, or hybrid desalination options are suitable for your project.
Saltworks Technologies is a leader in the development and delivery of solutions for industrial wastewater treatment and lithium refining. By working with customers to understand their unique challenges and focusing on continuous innovation, Saltworks’ solutions provide best-in-class performance and reliability. From its headquarters in Richmond, BC, Canada, Saltworks’ team designs, builds, and operates full-scale plants, and offers comprehensive onsite and offsite testing services with its fleet of mobile pilots.
Saltworks launches FusionRO, a hybrid UHP RO/NF membrane brine concentrator that achieves >220,000 mg/L TDS. Built on UHP RO and NF, FusionRO offers a lower-cost, scalable, and smaller footprint solution, minimizing the cost and size of downstream thermal treatment.
Our XtremeRO and FusionRO provide industry-leading recovery and reliablity. Concentrate brine, reduce discharge volumes, recover freshwater and more.
Saltworks launches SaltMaker MVR-30, doubling evaporation capacity to 30 TPH with patented intelligent automation for reliable ZLD and low maintenance.
Our innovative brine management solutions maximize freshwater recovery and minimize waste products, reducing disposal costs. We optimize costs with the correct blend of membrane and evaporator crystallizer solutions.