Desal Reverse Osmosis Membranes

Seawater RO membranes, also called reverse osmosis desalination (desal) membranes, separate dissolved salts and other minerals from ocean water and other very salty water, producing fresh water for drinking, boats, islands, coastal homes and businesses. They also reduce dissolved contaminants such as lead, copper, cadmium, chromium, mercury, fluoride, nitrate and nitrite.

Choosing a seawater membrane

• Feed water. Use desal elements for seawater. For water that is salty but well below seawater, a brackish water RO membrane is usually the better fit.
• Size. Elements come in 2.5" x 40", 4" x 40" (4040) and 8" x 40" (8040). The size is set by your system's pressure vessel.
• System. Seawater RO needs a system built for it. If you are starting from scratch, this page also lists a complete seawater RO system.

Pre-treatment and replacement

Seawater must be pre-treated to remove organics, algae and fine particles before it reaches the membrane. Pre-treatment, an antiscalant and regular cleaning with membrane cleaners keep elements producing. Replace the elements when output and salt rejection no longer recover after cleaning.

See all RO membranes. These elements are industry standard sizes and fit standard pressure vessels of the same size whatever the brand, including Crystal Quest systems.