PROCESS ANALYTICS

Reverse Osmosis Systems

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are used for water treatment in many industrial applications. In reverse osmosis, dissolved salts are filtered out of the water, and contaminants and even nanoparticles (bacteria and viruses) are removed. This process is used for the treatment of ultra-pure water for power plants and drug production, as well as in drinking water treatment and water desalination.

Energy

Key Facts About the Application

Sector

Reverse osmosis systems

Application

3 applications (1. pH loop for verifying permeate quality, 2. Conductivity loop for verifying module leakage, 3. ORP loop for verifying concentrated water)

Measured Parameters

pH, conductivity, and ORP

Main Requirements

Inline measurement of pH value, ORP, and conductivity

Measurements in Ultra-Pure Water and Concentrated Water

Description of application

In power plants, the reverse osmosis system is used to produce boiler feed water for steam generation. The diagram shows a typical boiler feed water system with RO technology. pH value, redox potential, and conductivity must be monitored after every RO step and in every RO segment in the main collection pipe.

Requirement of the application

Reverse osmosis monitoring systems require the inline measurement of pH value, redox potential, and conductivity. Adding various chemicals during the process prevents organic or inorganic deposits from adhering to the osmosis membrane. If metering is not precise, the membrane can be damaged and favorable conditions for biological growth may be established. Consequence: The systems must be shut down and cleaned in a complex process. The option to measure conductivity values in the micron range and the setpoint deviation of redox potential and pH value is one of the main prerequisites for extending the service life of the membrane and saving the costs of early replacement. The quantity of chemicals used, including chlorine and sodium bisulfite, can be significantly reduced when conductivity, pH value, and redox potential are precisely measured.

Why Knick?
The SE604 conductivity sensor from Knick is the only sensor with removable outer electrodes for easy cleaning and handling. The recommended pH sensor, SE558, has an electrolyte reservoir for accurate, stable measurement in probes with low conductivity. The greatest flexibility possible with Knick transducers (e.g., Stratos Multi): one system for all measuring loops with flexible configuration.

Associated Products

SE558 pH Sensor | Memosens | 120 mm | Ex | For ultrapure water, water and analytical chemistry

Product number:

SE558X/1-NMSN

SE604 2-Electrode Conductivity Sensor | 7-Pole | Measuring range from 1 nS/cm to 1000 μS/cm

Product number:

SE604

SE565 ORP Sensor | Memosens | 120 mm | Ex | For hygienic processes and sterile applications

Product number:

SE565X/1-NMSN

ARF201 Flow-Through Fitting | PP-H | One sensor

Product number:

ARF201

ARF200 Flow-Through Fitting | Stainless steel or Hastelloy C22 | One sensor | Process connection via cutting ring coupling

Product number:

ARF200

Stratos Multi E461N Multiparameter Transmitter | Memosens/Analog Sensors | 1-Channel |PROFINET | 2x 4…20 mA Outputs

Product number:

E461N

Associated Industries and Applications

Energy

In power plants, water is used in many processes with completely different requirements: for example, for steam generation, cooling, and flue gas scrubbing.

Ion Exchanger Systems

Measurement of pH values, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity in boiler feed water, steam, and condensate in combined gas turbines in power plants.

Boiler Feed Water Circuits

Measurement of pH values, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity as key parameters in the boiler feed water circuit.

Cooling Water Systems

Measurement of pH value, redox potential, and conductivity in cooling water, which has to be continuously treated with acid and biocides.

Monitoring Steam Generators

Since steam generators fulfill application-critical functions and the cost of their downtime or replacement is extremely high, damage caused by wear should be prevented by monitoring water quality.

Flue Gas Desulfurization

pH value measurement in the pre-scrubber, the neutralization phase, and the lime scrubber as part of the flue gas desulfurization process in power plants.

Water Treatment Systems

Measurement of pH value, dissolved oxygen, and redox potential in various applications during the water treatment process of power plant wastewater.

Combined Cycle Power Plants

Measurement of pH values, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity in boiler feed water, steam, and condensate in combined gas turbines in power plants.

Energy Industry Brochure

Overview of specific applications and product solutions in different areas of power plants.

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