Control valves are normally ...

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Control valves are normally rated by a function referred to as Cv.

Cv is calculated (in imperial units) as:

 

Cv= Flow * sort( SG / DP)

where : flow (gallons per minute), SG = Specific Gravity, DP = Differential Pressure (pounds per square inch). 

I am certain you can find equivalent formulas using metric units.

So if you need 300 psi on the concentrate side of the membrane and have a concentrate specific gravity of 1.02, you can easily determine the Cv required for the valve to handle this flow.

I typically calculate both a wide open (very low DP) value and a normal operation condition (relatively high DP) and then start looking  for a valve that will provide a full open Cv to handle the low DP condition and an 70-80% closed position that will handle the high DP situation. In some cases you will not be able to get a valve that will open enough to allow the low DP condition and you will need to consider adding a bypass valve for low DP conditions such as membrane rinses and cleaning cycles.

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Hi, thanks for replying to my question on RO reject valve. Your reply is useful. I have many books pertaining to Membrane systems but none of them explains the mechanical design engineering aspect of key components including valve sizing and selection for valves reverse osmosis systems. If somebody can write a e ok on this it will help engineers working on desalination projects. I am looking at process control or effectively and remotely controlling the RO recovery automatically  using automatic valves for reject and reject recycle.

thanks and regards 

Raman

Ionic Engineeing technology Pvt. Ltd.

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