Distributed in Australia by rassar systemsChallenge the Flow
ROTEC's FR-RO Technology — the world's leading ultra-high recovery reverse osmosis system. 90–95% recovery, fewer CIP cycles, lower chemical use. Now available to Australian water utilities and industry through rassar systems.
Why Hospitals Choose ROTEC
ROTEC reduces fouling, stabilises permeate quality, and significantly lowers CIP frequency in dialysis and laboratory RO systems. Hospitals using ROTEC typically see more stable water quality, fewer membrane replacements, and reduced engineering workload — with integration into existing RO units without major redesign.
Stable Permeate Quality
Reduces fouling and stabilises water quality for dialysis and lab RO.
Lower CIP & Maintenance
Fewer CIP cycles, fewer membrane replacements, reduced engineering workload.
Retrofit-Friendly
Integrates with existing RO units without major redesign.
Conventional RO + Smarter Controls = ROTEC FR-RO
The Problem with Conventional RO
- ✕Membrane scaling — mineral crystallisation blocks flow
- ✕Membrane fouling — solids block feed channel spacers
- ✕Recovery limited to 70–80% before chemical shutdown
- ✕High antiscalant and acid consumption
- ✕Frequent CIP cycles and membrane replacement
The ROTEC FR-RO Solution
- Flow direction periodically reversed before scale adheres
- Self-cleaning membrane process — no shutdown needed
- 90–95% recovery — up to 50–80% less concentrate
- Works with any membrane brand
- Retrofit to existing RO systems with minimal disruption
The Value of Higher Recovery
FR-RO cost premium typically pays back in under 2 years at combined water/sewer costs above $7/kGAL
Flow Reversal — Self-Cleaning Membrane Technology
In a conventional RO system, feed water always enters from the same end. As it passes through the membrane vessel, mineral concentration increases toward the brine end — this is where scaling attacks first.
ROTEC's FR-RO periodically reverses the flow direction before scale can firmly adhere to the membrane surface. The high-concentration end switches, and nascent scale deposits are dissolved back into the feed stream — a continuous self-cleaning cycle requiring no chemical cleaning shutdowns.
In 3-stage systems, the last pressure vessel of the 1st stage is periodically rotated to become the 3rd stage — ensuring every membrane element experiences a balanced scaling load and maximising total recovery.
FR-RO vs Traditional RO — Real-Life Example
| Pump | Traditional RO (71%) kWh/m³ | FR-RO (90%) kWh/m³ |
|---|---|---|
| RO Feeding Pump | 0.21 | 0.124 |
| RO HP Pump | 0.53 | 0.359 |
| 2nd Stage Booster | — | 0.050 |
| 3rd Stage Booster | — | 0.041 |
| Dosing / Auxiliaries | — | 0.065 |
| Sub-total | 0.74 | 0.64 |
6 Key Flow Reversal Benefits
Ultra-High Recovery
90–95% total recovery. 50–80% reduction in concentrate volume. One step closer to ZLD.
Fit for Retrofit
Only ultra-high recovery technology that works on existing RO systems with 100% fallback redundancy.
Sustainable
Reduces evaporator / crystalliser size. Minimises brine disposal. Supports ESG & water-positive goals.
Operational Efficiency
Less chemicals, fewer CIP cycles, lower electricity consumption, extended membrane lifespan.
Easy Operation
Operates like conventional RO. No special training. Works with any membrane brand or supplier.
Rapid ROI
Payback typically under 2 years at realistic combined water/sewer costs.
FR-RO 3D Animation — Challenge the Flow
Shows the flow reversal cycle, block rotation, and self-cleaning mechanism in operation.
Tailor-Made Solutions via rassar systems
Greenfield Plants
Complete FR-RO systems designed and built from scratch for new water treatment facilities.
Retrofit Packages
Upgrade existing conventional RO systems to FR-RO with minimal operational disruption.
Brine Recovery
Recover water from RO concentrate streams — push total recovery toward ZLD.
Engineering Packages
ROTEC engineering design services integrated into your project EPC or D&C contract.
Selected Project References — 70+ Installations in 18 Countries
Kranji Retrofit
TUAS Reclamation WWTP
Niagara Temple
Niagara Baytown
Ak Chin
Daro
SM Arcadia Retrofit
Coca-Cola Suzhou
Reduce Downtime and Chemical Cost
Find out whether FR-RO fits your plant. Request a feasibility study or a full reference list from the rassar systems team.