Reverse Osmosis System for Tropical Environment

Situation

A mining client in southern Mexico required a reverse osmosis (RO) system for a specific application. However, the plant needed to be located outdoors in harsh tropical conditions, and the logistics of transporting the system to the mine site posed certain challenges. With ambient temperatures regularly exceeding 113°F (45°C) and water temperatures potentially exceeding 131°F (55°C), a specialized solution was needed.

Solution

AWC custom-designed an RO system to operate effectively in these difficult conditions. All equipment was designed to meet NEMA4X / IP67 standards to protect against water ingress. Air conditioning units were installed in all variable frequency drives (VFD) and control enclosures to prevent overheating of electronics. Furthermore, instrumentation and controls were incorporated to safeguard the membranes from out-of-spec water, which could be recirculated to the pond until temperatures were brought within acceptable ranges.

Outcome

In progress. Commissioning summer 2024.

Client: a mining client in Mexico

Treatment Capacity: 2,000 gpm

Technologies Employed: Reverse osmosis, custom-designed, Clean-In-Place (CIP) system, advanced controls.