A novel spacer technology for RO membrane elements. This company’s reverse-osmosis (RO) elements (photo) use a unique Printed Spacer Technology that improves the performance of systems with just the change of the membrane element. The technology replaces mesh spacers that have been used for decades with printed features on the membrane surface, improving the flow of water through the membrane element. Printed spacers open the feed channel inside of the element by using far less material. This results in superior spiral-wound membrane performance, improving system output, element life and energy usage, says the company. In addition to improved operations, customers also enjoy lowered operating costs and support meeting sustainability goals. The BW product line has two feed-spacer options: ECO, designed to save up to 60% of wasted energy, especially suitable for companies with challenging feedwater or those looking for ways to save on electricity costs and achieve their ESG goals; and FLO, which optimizes output by taking full advantage of the more than 500 ft2 of membrane surface. This configuration is ideal for applications where a system is struggling to keep up with demand, has limited space for a water treatment system, or is only operated for a short period of time. – Aqua Membranes, Albuquerque, N.M.