A membrane housing is a pressurized container which holds a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane stack. It plays an integral role in a reverse osmosis (RO) system by providing a barrier for the pressurized feedwater passing through the membrane element. The design and materials used for the membrane housing and its components greatly influence the operation and longevity of the system.
One of the most common material selections for membrane housing is fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP). FRP is a lightweight and cost-effective material which offers superior strength when compared to other composites or single-resin materials. In addition, its non-corrosive nature ensures that it will not rust or corrode when exposed to harsh chemicals and elements, which is ideal for applications in reverse osmosis systems.
FRP membrane housings are constructed by layering several layers of glass reinforcement within the polyester resin formulations. The resin is then cured at elevated temperatures to form a solid composite structure. The final product offers excellent mechanical strength, increased chemical resistance, and strong durability.
Furthermore, FRP membrane housings come with a variety of customization options including multiple size and shape configurations. It can also be tailored to meet specific sizing requirements or to accommodate j-tubes, tie-rod assemblies, clamp bands, and other fittings. Installers can further customize the membrane housing with different O-ring materials,pressure gauges, safety valves, and other accessories.
FRP membrane housings are designed to accommodate from two to dozens of membrane elements per system. Typical diameters varies between 2” and 8”, allowing for a wide selection of membrane elements to be installed. This also allows for the system to be upgraded or downsized if future needs require for water production to increase or decrease.
Whether in industrial, public, or private drinking water production, membrane housing is an essential part of a reverse osmosis system. FRP membrane housing offers superior strength, flexibility, and customization options, making it an ideal choice for reverse osmosis systems. They provide the required protection by keeping the high-pressure feedwater stream away from the delicate RO membrane elements, ultimately increasing system efficiency and product life.
