The design, construction and testing of a small Pelton wheel

Abstract

The principal objectives of this project were virtually to study the possibility of utilising a Pelton turbine to recover hydraulic energy which remains in the high-pressure reject liquid concentrate in Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) systems at the end of the transformation process. The recovered energy can have various applications. It can be utilised to drive first-stage pumps or else to assist in driving the main pumps in R.O. Plants. Also, this energy can be transformed to generate electricity to supply the Plant with adequate lighting, heating or to operate small ancillary equipment, depending on the actual plant operating conditions. A full-scale model of the Pelton Wheel has been constructed and tested inside a fluids laboratory under limited operating conditions. However, satisfactory and indicative results were obtained. Every effort has been made to give a clear picture of the utility of particular such a turbine. This research may interest to various manufacturers of high-pressure turbo-pumps. Moreover, the idea of employing a Pelton Wheel to recover energy in lieu of, or in conjunction with the Francis turbine or back-to-back centrifugal pump normally used in R.O. systems, gives way to further future development of such an efficient concept.