Understanding the Problem and How Steelhead Solves It
High-volume reverse osmosis (RO) systems are critical for industries that rely on large volumes of purified water—pharmaceuticals, food processing, semiconductors, and more. But one of the most common challenges in these operations is low recovery rates. If your system is producing less purified water than expected and wasting more than it should, your business could be facing unnecessary costs and compliance issues.
At Steelhead, Inc., we specialize in solving this exact problem with sanitary RO systems engineered for high performance, high recovery, and regulatory compliance.
The Problem: Why Low Recovery Happens in Industrial RO Systems
Low recovery in reverse osmosis systems means that too much of your incoming water is going to waste (reject stream), and not enough is being turned into usable product water. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Poor membrane selection or aging membranes
- Incorrect system sizing or design flaws
- Scaling or fouling from poor pretreatment
- Inefficient flow control or pump performance
- Unmonitored chemical imbalances (pH, hardness)
These issues not only lower your water yield but also shorten membrane life and increase energy consumption.
Expert Insight: What Your System Needs
Improving recovery in high-volume RO systems requires more than a membrane swap. It demands an integrated solution with precision control and real-time monitoring. That’s where Steelhead’s engineering approach excels.
Our dual-pass RO systems are designed for 85% recovery, a significant benchmark for high-demand applications. Here’s what makes them perform:
- Sanitary Design: All 316L stainless steel piping and welded tubing to minimize contamination and loss.
- Precise Monitoring: Inline sensors for pH, conductivity, pressure, and temperature at every stage.
- Remote Monitoring: HMI touchscreens and Allen Bradley PLCs with remote access and alarm triggers.
- Optimized Flow Paths: Low-flux membrane configuration to reduce fouling and extend membrane life.
- CIP-Ready (Clean-in-Place): Custom CIP skids allow efficient chemical cleaning without shutdown.
Our Solution: Steelhead’s High-Efficiency Reverse Osmosis Systems
Steelhead, Inc. designs and manufactures custom RO solutions for industrial clients who cannot afford inefficiency. Whether you’re upgrading from outdated systems or building a new facility, we deliver the full package:
- Double-pass RO systems up to 550 GPM
- Remote-access control panels
- Ozone or UV integration options
- Project engineering, commissioning, and support
- Field-proven systems in pharmaceuticals, bottling, food, and energy sectors
We don’t just ship equipment. We solve water problems at scale.
Why Steelhead, Inc.?
- Over 50 years of expertise in water treatment and bottling technology
- Trusted by industry leaders across the U.S. and beyond
- One-stop shop for water purification, ozone, UV, and CIP systems
- Real-world results with recovery rates of up to 85% in challenging environments
Get a Custom RO Solution That Delivers
Stop settling for low recovery and high waste. Steelhead, Inc. can help you evaluate, upgrade, or replace your RO system with a design tailored to your water source and operational demands.
Call 866-303-3628 or visit www.steelheadinc.com to request a consultation.
Let’s get your recovery rates back where they should be—high, efficient, and sustainable.
