In the world of industrial and commercial water treatment, efficiency is the key to operational success. For facility managers and engineers dealing with brackish water sources, finding a balance between high permeate quality and low energy consumption is essential. At Purecowater, we specialize in providing top-tier filtration solutions, acting as a distributor for industry giants like Veolia (formerly GE Water & Process Technologies). One of the standout products we offer for energy-conscious applications is the Veolia AK8040 Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane.
This article explores the capabilities of the Veolia AK Series, specifically the AK8040 elements, and how they can optimize your water treatment systems.
What is the Veolia AK8040 Membrane?
The Veolia AK8040 is a low-pressure brackish water reverse osmosis (RO) membrane element. Part of Veolia’s renowned AK Series, these proprietary thin-film reverse osmosis membrane elements are engineered to deliver high flux and exceptional salt rejection while operating at significantly lower pressures than standard composite membranes.
The “8040” designation refers to the element’s standard industrial size: roughly 8 inches in diameter and 40 inches in length. This sizing makes it a drop-in replacement for many standard membrane housings used in large-scale commercial and industrial RO systems.
Key Performance Characteristics
The primary advantage of the AK series is its ability to perform at low pressures without sacrificing water quality. According to technical specifications, these elements are designed to achieve good rejection at operating pressures as low as 100 psi (689 kPa) [complete-water.com]. This contrasts with standard brackish water membranes that often require pressures upwards of 225 psi.
- Membrane Type: Polyamide Thin-Film Composite
- Typical Operating Pressure: 100 – 115 psi
- Nominal Active Area: Depending on the specific model (e.g., AK8040F vs AK8040F-400), the active area typically ranges between 365 and 400 square feet [filters.com].
- Salt Rejection: Average NaCl rejection is approximately 99.0%, ensuring high-quality permeate production [complete-water.com].
- Construction: These elements often feature a fiberglass outer wrap (denoted by the ‘F’ in AK8040F) for durability in high-pressure housings [store.hipco.com].
Why Choose Low Energy Membranes?
Integrating Veolia AK8040 membranes into your system offers significant operational benefits, primarily driven by energy efficiency:
- Reduced Energy Costs: By operating at roughly half the pressure of standard high-rejection membranes, the AK series reduces the load on high-pressure pumps. This translates directly to lower electricity usage and reduced utility bills.
- Extended Pump Life: Lower operating pressures reduce mechanical stress on pumps and system components, potentially extending the lifespan of your capital equipment.
- High Productivity: Despite the low energy requirement, these membranes maintain high flux rates (typically 9,000 to 11,500 GPD depending on the specific model variant), ensuring that volume production requirements are met [filters.com].
Ideal Applications
The Veolia AK8040 is best suited for applications where the feedwater is brackish (moderate salinity) and energy savings are a priority. Common applications include:
- Light Industrial Water Treatment: Producing process water for manufacturing where high purity is needed but feedwater is not seawater.
- Commercial Applications: Car washes, bottling plants, and large building water systems.
- Water Reuse: Treating secondary wastewater for non-potable reuse applications.
- Boiler Feedwater: Pre-treatment for boilers requiring low total dissolved solids (TDS).
Authenticity and Quality with Purecowater
As a distributor/OEM for Veolia, WTS, and Engineered Solutions, Purecowater ensures you receive authentic, high-performance membrane elements. The Veolia AK Series (formerly under the SUEZ and GE brands) represents a legacy of filtration innovation. Whether you need the standard AK8040F or high-area variants like the AK8040F-400, strictly adhering to manufacturer specifications regarding pH ranges (2.0-11.0 for continuous operation) and cleaning protocols is vital for longevity [complete-water.com].
If you are unsure if the AK8040 is the right fit for your specific water chemistry or housing configuration, our team can help you navigate the specifications and find the perfect match for your “Solid & Liquid” filtration problems.
Contact Purecowater Today
Are you looking to replace your current RO membranes or design a new energy-efficient water treatment system? Purecowater is here to assist with expert advice and premium products ranging from Depth Filters to EDI and Membrane Elements.
Contact Us to see how Purecowater can help tackle your filtration challenges.