The Blankaart reservoir, like many other water sources, has encountered significant challenges in recent years. Rising salt concentrations due to increased drought have required the implementation of advanced technology to remove these salts. Additionally, the variability of incoming water quality, attributed to both drought and seasonal shifts, called for a water treatment system that could adapt seamlessly to these fluctuations while ensuring continuous drinking water quality. Minimizing water loss was another crucial consideration for this project.

Innovative Solution: CCRO

To address these challenges, the project chose an innovative solution: Closed Circuit Reverse Osmosis (CCRO). Unlike traditional Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems, CCRO is a closed cyclic dynamic system. It continuously circulates water across membranes, effectively concentrating salts over time while producing high-quality drinking water on the other side. This approach significantly reduces water loss and optimizes water treatment.

The results of the pilot project are nothing short of impressive. The system's efficiency increased to an astounding 95%, minimizing water losses and ensuring consistent water quality. Even as salt concentrations in incoming water increased, the facility adapted automatically to maintain a continuous supply of safe drinking water, irrespective of the water source's quality.

Here's how the CCRO system operates:

1. Water Preprocessing: Incoming water is stored in a 2000L tank, where it undergoes preliminary adjustments, including pressure and acidity, to ensure optimal plant operation.
2. Fine Filtration: The water passes through cartridge filters for a first round of fine filtration, which safeguards the RO membranes.
3. Pressure Enhancement: High-pressure pumps raise the water pressure to a range of 10 to 17 bar, preparing it for the RO membranes.
4. Reverse Osmosis: The water is pushed through the RO membranes at high pressure, with an overcirculation pump circulating water over the membranes to concentrate the salts and produce drinking water.
5. Continuous Monitoring: Sensors continuously monitor water quality to ensure that it meets safety standards.
6. Buffering: The produced drinking water is stored in a buffer tank for water quality measurements.
7. Salt Concentration Removal: At the end of each cycle, concentrated salts are removed from the system via a separate pipe, preparing the system for a new cycle.

The B-Watersmart project's success demonstrates how innovation can overcome challenges in the water industry, making it more efficient and resilient in the face of environmental changes. It's a promising step toward ensuring a sustainable future for drinking water production in Flanders and beyond.