What PSI is needed to effectively separate salt from seawater in the reverse osmosis (RO) system?

In a reverse osmosis (RO) system, the pressure required to effectively separate salt from seawater is critical for facilitating the desalination process. The process relies on applying sufficient pressure to overcome the osmotic pressure of the seawater, which is substantially higher than that of freshwater.

Typically, seawater has an osmotic pressure of around 3400 to 4000 psi. However, it is necessary to apply higher pressures to force the water molecules through the semipermeable membrane, effectively leaving the salts behind. The range of 350-400 PSIG is appropriate because it provides enough force to ensure a substantial quantity of fresh water is produced while efficiently removing the dissolved salts.

Pressures lower than this range may lead to inadequate separation and a decline in water quality, while pressures above 400 PSIG can lead to increased wear on the system and higher energy costs without significant additional benefits in separation efficiency. Thus, the pressure requirement lies effectively between 350 and 400 PSIG for optimal operation of reverse osmosis systems designed for seawater desalination.