5
Figure 1.
Normal vs. Crossflow Filtration
1.1.5.
Membrane Elements
Membrane elements are the key to reverse osmosis. Interleaved layers of
semipermeable membrane, spacer and permeate carrier spiraled around a central
permeate tube make up the element. The spacer allows for movement of the
concentrate past the membrane, and the permeate carrier carries the purified water
out of the membrane element. GE Water & Process Technologies manufactures a
patented spiral wound membrane element with a turbulent flow design. This
membrane module collects the purified water within the central tube, the permeate
tube. The E8 RO machine utilizes between 8 and 20 membrane elements.
Figure 2.
Membrane Element with Interconnectors
