In 1997, the largest plant utilizing the PX-60 device produced just 300 cubic meters per day. As SWRO trains grew, the development of higher flow rotors became a necessity. In 2001, the ERI engineering team introduced the PX-120 with double the capacity of the PX-60. However, this design still required up to 40 PX® rotors for a 10,000 cubic meter per day train. For this reason, in October 2002, ERI embarked on an effort to develop a 6.5-inch diameter version of the 4-inch rotor. The larger device was to provide a 4:1 capacity increase compared to the device commercialized in 1997.

Development of a larger rotor utilizing advanced ceramic technology required a command of fluid dynamics and materials not commonly available in the desalination industry. For this reason, early in 2002, ERI recruited Dr. Richard Stover to become the company's Chief Technology Officer. Dr. Stover brought his experience in fluids research at the University of California, Berkeley, product development at IBM and hydraulics and water treatment system design to the task of scaling up the PX® device. In addition, ERI consulted with Dr. Chris Brennan from Cal Tech University, a recognized leader in the area of cavitation and pump dynamics.

After spending over two million dollars in development costs, in October 2002 ERI introduced the PX-220 family of devices utilizing the 6.5-inch diameter rotor. Dr. Stover's engineering team perfected the design through rigorous experimentation, refinement of materials and mastery of the fluid dynamics phenomena. The PX-220 has become the basis for some of the largest SWRO plants being designed today, servicing train sizes up to 25,000 cubic meters per day of permeate capacity.

ERI also develops other products including the PX® Booster Pumps. These pumps provide reliable service for flows up to 68 m³/hr and inlet pressures up to 80 bar. Our booster pumps are ideal f PX® technology applications in small to medium-sized RO plants.

ONGOING DEVELOPMENT

Driven by the global need to obtain affordable fresh water from the oceans, ERI was founded to conduct research and development specifically for SWRO applications. Years of effort and millions of investment dollars led to several technological breakthroughs, culminating in the creation of the PX® energy recovery device. Since its initial release, refinements have been made to the original PX® device design and significant production capacity has been built. Today, the innovative PX® device is deployed around the world and helps our customers provide millions of liters of reliable potable water daily, all the while saving energy costs - up to 60%!