Pump Engineering Inc (PEI), whose primary business is related to reverse osmosis (RO) pumps and energy recovery turbochargers, expanded recently its diffuser line to include a total of 11 diffusers, ranging from 1” x 1.25 ” x 3” up to 10” x 12” x 11”. The line was expanded to optimise energy exchange for the entire PEI product line.

Fluid velocity generated by a centrifugal impeller is efficiently converted to static pressure energy in the diffuser (the conical discharge section) of a hydraulic turbocharger or a centrifugal pump. When ordinary pipe reducers are used in turbocharger or pump installations, their non-optimised, rapid area change does not efficiently convert velocity to pressure energy, resulting in flow separation and turbulence, and ultimately, pressure losses, the company explained.
“With PEI DEX high-efficiency diffusers/reducers/extensions, the optimised, gradually increasing diffuser area is extended to efficiently convert velocity energy into pressure energy, resulting in several important advantages including high-efficiency velocity to pressure energy recovery; reduced pressure losses and energy consumption; reduced flow-induced vibration, and reduced flow-generated noise.”
PEI added that the robust cast, stainless steel, Schedule 80 design of the diffusers offered further advantages: easy and quick installation and removal; groove for Victaulic-type connection, weld preparation, or welded connection between diffusers; suitability for a wide pipe diameter range, from 1 inch to 12 inches
The diffusers are offered in stainless steel grades 316, Duplex 2205, and Super Duplex 2507 and are available for all PEI hydraulic turbochargers and high-pressure feed pumps, as well as being applicable to any centrifugal equipment where the above benefits are desired. The diffusers are favourably priced compared to standard pipe reducers.
“Thanks to our exclusive ‘agile engineered totally hydraulic flow path’ design and production capability, PEI’s AVS (advanced variable speed), high-pressure pump and advanced technology turbo offer the RO industry the true lowest total life cycle cost high pressure circuit solution,” a company statement said.
For over 20 years, Pump Engineering has been a leader in energy recovery devices for sea water desalination. PEI turbochargers and pumps are operating in more SWRO plants than any other supplier.