Description
The driving force for freshwater production by reverse osmosis membrane technology is pressure. The operating pressure of the high-pressure pump in a reverse osmosis system directly determines the cost of water production. In the early stages, high energy consumption was one of the main factors limiting the widespread adoption of reverse osmosis water treatment processes. Therefore, reducing the operating pressure of reverse osmosis membranes to lower operational costs has long been a key research and development focus for major membrane manufacturers.
The ESPA (Energy Saving Poly Amide) series of reverse osmosis membrane elements was the world’s first energy-saving, ultra-low-pressure, high-flux composite reverse osmosis membrane introduced by Hydranautics of the United States in May 1995. While maintaining high salt rejection, the ESPA series membrane elements feature significantly higher water permeability. This means that at the same water production capacity, their operating pressure is 25–40% lower compared to conventional low-pressure reverse osmosis membranes.
Product Overview
The Hydranautics ESPA1-4040 and ESPA2-4040 are 4-inch diameter, 40-inch long low-energy, high-performance brackish water reverse osmosis membrane elements, designed specifically for small to medium-scale industrial pure water systems. As part of the renowned Energy Saving Polyamide (ESPA) series, they combine high flux, low operating pressure, and reliable salt rejection, making them ideal for cost-effective pure water production.
Core Advantages
• Ultra-Low Operating Pressure – Engineered for high water permeability, significantly reducing energy consumption.
• High Productivity – Optimized membrane surface delivers high flow rates even at low pressures.
• Consistent Salt Rejection – Stable long-term performance ensures reliable water quality.
• Compact Design – 4-inch diameter fits space-constrained systems and containerized units.
• Proven Reliability – Widely used in commercial and light industrial applications worldwide.
Model Comparison
|
Model
|
Stabilized Salt Rejection*
|
Permeate Flow (gpd)
|
Minimum Salt Rejection*
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
ESPA1-4040
|
99.0%
|
2,100
|
98.0%
|
|
ESPA2-4040
|
99.6%
|
1,800
|
99.0%
|
*Test conditions: 150 psi (1.03 MPa), 2,000 ppm NaCl, 25°C, pH 8, 15% recovery.
Typical Operating Parameters
• Maximum Operating Pressure: 600 psi (4.14 MPa)
• Maximum Feed Flow: 16 gpm (3.6 m³/h)
• Maximum Feed SDI₅: 5
• Operating pH Range: 2–11 (cleaning pH 1–12)
• Maximum Feed Temperature: 113°F (45°C)
• Feed Chlorine Tolerance: <0.1 ppm
Applications
• Industrial Pure Water & Boiler Feed Water
• Drinking Water Purification Systems
• Small-scale Brackish Water Desalination
• Car Wash & Vehicle Cleaning Recycle Systems
• Laboratory & Medical Equipment Water Supply
• Aquarium & Horticulture Water Treatment
Product Includes
✓ Original Hydranautics membrane element
✓ Brine seal (installed)
✓ Product water O-rings
✓ Manufacturer’s data sheet with serial number
Recommended System Configuration
• Pre-filtration: 5 µm sediment filter + activated carbon filter
• Pump: Suitable for 150–200 psi operating pressure
• Housing: Standard 4-inch fiberglass or stainless steel pressure vessel
Maintenance Notes
- Maintain SDI₅ <5 for stable performance.
- Regular low-pressure flushing recommended during system idle periods.
- Chemical cleaning advised when normalized flow drops by 10–15%.
- For storage >7 days, preserve with 1% sodium metabisulfite solution (pH 3–6).
Why Choose Hydranautics ESPA-4040?
→ Lower energy costs with high flux at low pressure
→ Trusted brand with global service support
→ Easy integration into existing 4-inch systems
→ Suitable for a wide range of feedwater temperatures and qualities
Ideal for OEM manufacturers, system integrators, and end-users looking for efficient, compact, and reliable RO membrane solutions. Upgrade your pure water system with Hydranautics ESPA—where performance meets energy savings.
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