Traditionally, the reverse osmosis process uses an extruded plastic mesh spacer between layered membrane leaves to create fluid separation and filtration through spiral-wound elements. While this technology has been effective for many decades, it has inherent technical limitations. A conventional mesh spacer takes up valuable space between membrane layers; requires consistent cleaning due to fouling; creates a demanding flow path; and stifles optimization potential.
Printing feed spacers directly on the flat sheet membrane can increase total available surface area by 20-40%. This is achieved by reducing the thickness of the spacers, thereby increasing available surface area inside the membrane element and creating an open flow path, which:
- Allows increased flow with the same pressure drop
OR
- Decreased pressure drop with the same flow
OR
- Some variation in between
The results? Increased element productivity and reduced energy consumption, and the design freedom to optimize for any application.
This shift away from the traditional mesh structure to a seamless “maze” pattern also provides limitless customization potential. Imagine the variety of printed spacer designs to optimize performance in any liquid separation application.