
Dow Membrane Filters Type SW30HRLE-400
Introduction:The Dow Membrane Filters Type SW30HRLE-400 is a seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) membrane element designed for high rejection and low energy consumption in seawater desalination systems. As part of the Dow Film product portfolio, the SW30HRLE-400 is engineered to deliver high salt rejection, excellent boron removal performance, and stable permeate quality under variable seawater salinity and temperature conditions. The “HRLE” designation generally indicates high rejection and low energy characteristics, making this membrane suitable for large-scale desalination plants, island water supply projects, coastal industrial water treatment, and municipal seawater reverse osmosis facilities.
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Working Principle

The SW30HRLE-400 operates on the principle of reverse osmosis. Seawater is pressurized and fed into the feed side of the membrane element. Under sufficient operating pressure, water molecules pass through the semi-permeable RO membrane surface, while dissolved salts, ions, boron compounds, and other impurities are rejected and concentrated into the brine stream. The permeate water is collected as product water, and the concentrated brine is discharged or further processed depending on system design.
In practical SWRO systems, several membrane elements are typically installed inside a single pressure vessel, and multiple pressure vessels are arranged in parallel or series to meet the required flow capacity. The performance of the SW30HRLE-400 is influenced by feedwater salinity, operating pressure, temperature, recovery rate, and pretreatment quality. Proper pre-filtration, anti-scalant dosing, pH adjustment, and regular cleaning are essential to maintain consistent membrane performance and extend service life.
Core Advantages
High Seawater Desalination PerformanceThe SW30HRLE-400 is designed for high salt rejection in seawater applications. It helps reduce total dissolved solids (TDS) in raw seawater and produces treated water suitable for further post-treatment and potable water use.
Low Energy Consumption DesignThe “HRLE” configuration typically emphasizes low energy operation. By reducing the required operating pressure while maintaining high rejection performance, the membrane can help lower energy costs in seawater desalination systems, which is especially important for large-capacity plants.
Stable Boron Removal PerformanceBoron removal is a critical requirement in many seawater desalination projects. The SW30HRLE-400 is engineered to provide effective boron rejection, helping the product water meet international drinking water standards and municipal water quality specifications.
Proven FilmTec™ Membrane TechnologyAs part of the Dow FilmTec™ product line, the SW30HRLE-400 benefits from established RO membrane technology, wide field experience, and global project references. It is commonly specified in desalination projects requiring reliable long-term performance.
Suitable for Large-Scale SWRO SystemsThe SW30HRLE-400 is typically used in multi-element pressure vessel arrays. Its standardized element format allows system designers to configure large-capacity desalination trains, making it suitable for municipal desalination, industrial water supply, and island water projects.
Main Application Scenarios
Municipal Seawater Desalination Plants: Produce drinking water from seawater for coastal cities and communities.
Island Water Supply Projects: Provide freshwater supply for islands, remote coastal areas, and offshore facilities.
Industrial Desalination Systems: Supply high-quality process water for coastal industries, power plants, and manufacturing facilities.
Large-Capacity SWRO Trains: Used in multi-element pressure vessel arrays for continuous desalination operation.
Boron-Sensitive Water Projects: Suitable for projects requiring controlled boron levels in product water.
Water Treatment EPC Projects: Specified in desalination plant design, construction, and system integration projects.
FAQ
Q1: What is SW30HRLE-400 used for?
A: SW30HRLE-400 is a seawater reverse osmosis membrane element mainly used in seawater desalination systems to remove salt, boron, and dissolved impurities from seawater.
Q2: What does SW30HRLE-400 mean?
A: SW typically stands for seawater; 30 may indicate a product series; HRLE generally refers to high rejection and low energy design; 400 usually refers to the active membrane area in square feet. Exact meaning should be confirmed from the original manufacturer datasheet.
Q3: Is SW30HRLE-400 suitable for drinking water production?
A: Yes, it is commonly used in seawater desalination for drinking water production. However, the final product water quality depends on pretreatment, RO system design, post-treatment, and local drinking water standards.
Q4: What factors affect SW30HRLE-400 performance?
A: Key factors include feedwater TDS, temperature, operating pressure, recovery rate, boron concentration, pretreatment quality, anti-scalant dosing, cleaning frequency, and membrane fouling condition.
Q5: Can you supply replacement membranes or compatible spare parts?
A: We can support compatible pre-filtration cartridges, high flow filter elements, RO pressure vessels, and water treatment spare parts that help protect and extend the service life of SW30HRLE-400 membranes.
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