The 10 m³/h SWRO system delivers 240 m³ of fresh water every day. Feed seawater can carry up to 35,000 mg/L TDS. Chunke builds this capacity with 8-inch membranes and 55–82 bar operating pressure. It fills the gap between smaller container-top units and larger industrial plants. Mid-size hotels, islands, factories, and camps choose it most often. This guide explains how the system works and why this capacity performs so well.
Here are the numbers buyers ask for first. Capacity: 10 m³/h, or 240 m³ per day. Feed TDS: up to 35,000 mg/L standard seawater. Salt rejection: 97–99% across a fresh membrane set. Recovery rate: 35–45%, rising toward 50% with energy recovery. Energy use: roughly 3.0–4.0 kWh per m³ produced. Footprint: one standard 20ft or 40HQ container. These figures set the baseline for every section below.
What Is a 10 m³/h SWRO System?
A 10 m³/h SWRO system is a seawater reverse osmosis plant. It produces 10,000 liters of fresh water per hour. That equals roughly 240,000 liters, or 240 m³, per day. The process pulls raw seawater through pretreatment first. High-pressure pumps then push it across semi-permeable membranes. Salt and other dissolved solids stay behind the membrane surface. Clean permeate passes through as usable fresh water. Feed water carrying up to 35,000 mg/L TDS therefore becomes drinking-quality output. Product TDS typically stays below 500 mg/L. This size sits neatly between our 8,000 LPH seawater desalination plant and our 25 m³/h SWRO system. It therefore suits sites that have outgrown a smaller unit but do not yet need the larger one.
Main Applications of a 10 m³/h Seawater Desalination Plant
Buyers choose the 10 m³/h capacity for many mid-size operations. Coastal resorts and hotels use it for guest water and landscape irrigation. A single unit can comfortably support several hundred guests per day. Factories and processing plants rely on it for boiler feed and wash-down water. Mining camps and construction sites often need this exact output for worker housing. Naval bases and offshore platforms also favor this size, since it fits inside one shipping container. Small island municipalities frequently select it as a decentralized backup source. Emergency relief operations use the same capacity when disaster strikes a coastal region. Shipyards and marine bases also specify this size for fleet water supply. In every case, the goal stays the same: turn seawater into dependable fresh water.
Typical Process Flow of the 10 m³/h SWRO System
Seawater Intake and Raw Water Tank
Raw seawater first passes through an intake screen. This screen blocks debris, shells, and marine growth. The water then settles briefly inside a raw water tank. This tank buffers flow, so downstream pumps always see steady supply. A well-designed intake also protects every filter stage that follows. Poor screening, on the other hand, shortens filter life quickly.
Raw Water Pump and Pretreatment Feed
A raw water pump lifts seawater from the tank next. It feeds the pretreatment train at constant, controlled pressure. Stable feed pressure protects downstream membranes from sudden surges. This single step is one of the simplest ways to extend membrane life.
Pretreatment System for Membrane Protection
Pretreatment is where most SWRO plants succeed or fail. Chunke builds this stage around proven, field-tested steps. Learn more on our pretreatment system for SWRO desalination page.
Coagulant or Flocculant Dosing
A metering pump doses coagulant into raw seawater first. This chemical binds fine suspended particles into larger flocs. Larger flocs settle or filter out far more easily. The step significantly reduces turbidity load reaching later filters.
Bactericide Dosing
Sodium hypochlorite, or an equivalent bactericide, controls biological growth. It protects pipework and filter media from bacterial buildup. Without it, biofilm can foul membranes within just a few weeks.
Multimedia or Quartz Sand Filter
Layered sand and anthracite media remove suspended solids next. Particle removal typically reaches down to 20–30 microns. This stage protects every filter and membrane that follows it.
Activated Carbon Filter or Dechlorination
Activated carbon, or sodium metabisulfite dosing, removes residual chlorine. Chlorine otherwise degrades polyamide membrane surfaces very quickly. This step therefore safeguards the expensive membrane elements downstream.
Cartridge Filter
A 5-micron cartridge filter forms the final safety barrier. It sits just before the high-pressure pump inlet. It catches any fine particles earlier stages may have missed. This protects membrane elements from physical scratching or damage.
High-Pressure Pump and Energy Recovery Device
The high-pressure pump is the heart of any SWRO plant. Chunke fits the 10 m³/h system with a seawater-duty pump. We source it from Grundfos or Danfoss, both proven names in desalination duty. A variable frequency drive then gives operators precise pressure control. An energy recovery device also reclaims energy from concentrated brine before discharge. This step cuts specific energy consumption to roughly 3.0–4.0 kWh/m³. As a result, recovery rate climbs from a 35–45% baseline toward nearly 50%. See our page on energy recovery devices for seawater desalination for more detail.
Dosing and Booster Pump Options
Beyond the main high-pressure pump, several smaller pumps keep the system running. Dosing pumps meter coagulant, bactericide, and pH adjustment chemicals precisely. Booster pumps maintain steady pressure across the pretreatment train as well. Chunke often specifies CNP pumps for these raw water and dosing duties. CNP offers reliable, cost-effective options that pair well with the main Grundfos or Danfoss pump. This mix balances performance against budget across the whole pump train. Every pump ships with local voltage and frequency configured for your site.
SWRO Membrane System
The 10 m³/h system typically uses 8-inch seawater RO elements. These sit inside FRP pressure vessels arranged across multiple stages. Chunke sources elements from globally recognized membrane suppliers only. Options include DuPont FilmTec, Vontron, Toray, LG Water Solutions, and Hydranautics. Each membrane batch ships with a factory test report. This lets buyers confirm salt rejection and flux before shipment. Salt rejection typically reaches 97–99% across a fresh membrane set. That performance keeps product TDS well under most drinking water limits. Visit our seawater reverse osmosis membrane page for further specifications.
Automatic Control System
A PLC and touch-screen HMI monitor the plant around the clock. They track pressure, flow, conductivity, and pump status live. Chunke uses Siemens PLC and HMI hardware on the 10 m³/h system. Operators get clear alarms and one-touch start-stop sequencing. The panel also logs operating data automatically for later review. Maintenance teams can therefore spot trends before they cause failures. Read our page on the control system for SWRO plants for wiring and logic details.
Product Water Quality and Post-Treatment
Permeate leaving the membrane stage typically measures below 500 mg/L TDS. That figure sits well inside WHO drinking water guidelines. Post-treatment then fine-tunes the water for everyday use. A remineralization filter restores calcium and magnesium hardness first. A pH adjustment stage balances alkalinity right afterward. Finally, UV disinfection or a light chlorine dose protects stored water. Target output typically lands near pH 7.0–8.5 with moderate hardness restored. This layered approach keeps water safe from plant to tap. It also matches most municipal and bottled water quality standards.
Piping and Material Selection
Low-pressure piping generally uses UPVC or CPVC pipe. Both resist seawater chemistry well and keep costs down. High-pressure sections, however, use duplex or super-duplex stainless steel. That material withstands both pressure and long-term corrosion. This split approach balances durability against upfront cost sensibly. Most plants run well past a decade with this design.
CIP Cleaning System
A skid-mounted clean-in-place unit ships with every 10 m³/h system. Operators flush membranes with alkaline or acidic solutions directly. No pressure vessel needs dismantling during a normal CIP cycle. Regular cleaning restores flux and salt rejection after fouling. It also extends membrane service life significantly over time. Visit our SWRO membrane cleaning and CIP guide for the full chemical schedule.
Skid-Mounted vs Containerized Design
Chunke offers the 10 m³/h SWRO system in two formats. A skid-mounted frame suits indoor or covered installation sites. A fully containerized unit suits fast, remote deployment instead. A single 20ft container comfortably houses the full process train. A 40HQ container adds room for extra pretreatment equipment. Containerized plants also ship pre-wired and pre-piped from the factory. On-site commissioning therefore typically takes only a few days. Explore our containerized seawater desalination plant page for layout options.
Technical Specification Table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Water Capacity | 10 m³/h (240 m³/day) |
| Feed Water | Seawater |
| Typical Feed TDS | Up to 35,000 mg/L |
| Product Water TDS | < 500 mg/L |
| Salt Rejection | 97–99% |
| Recovery Rate | 35–45% (up to ~50% with ERD) |
| Operating Pressure | 55–82 bar |
| Energy Consumption | 3.0–4.0 kWh/m³ (with ERD) |
| RO Membrane | 8-inch seawater RO elements (DuPont, Vontron, Toray, LG, Hydranautics) |
| High-Pressure Pump | Grundfos or Danfoss |
| Booster / Dosing Pump | CNP |
| Energy Recovery Device | Pressure exchanger / turbocharger type |
| Control System | PLC + touch-screen HMI (Siemens) |
| Piping Material | UPVC/CPVC (low pressure); duplex stainless steel (high pressure) |
| Configuration | Skid-mounted or containerized (20ft / 40HQ) |
Comparing the 10 m³/h System to Other Capacities
Choosing the right capacity saves money over a plant’s lifetime. Our 8,000 LPH plant suits smaller sites with tighter budgets or footprints. Our 25 m³/h system suits larger resorts, factories, or municipal projects instead. The 10 m³/h size fits sites needing roughly 200 to 300 people served daily. It also suits operations planning modest growth over the next few years. Oversizing wastes capital, while undersizing forces an early, costly upgrade. Chunke’s engineers help buyers match capacity to real, measured demand. We also design for future expansion, so a second skid can join later. This phased approach lets growing sites add capacity without replacing existing equipment. It also protects your original investment as demand grows over time.
Installation and Commissioning Timeline
A containerized 10 m³/h system ships fully assembled and pre-tested. Sea freight typically takes four to six weeks to most regions. On-site work then focuses on utility connections and final checks. Electrical hookup, intake piping, and discharge piping come first. Our team then runs commissioning tests against the factory report. Most sites reach stable production within three to five days. Remote commissioning support is also available for hard-to-reach locations.
Typical Site Requirements
Planning a site ahead of time speeds up delivery and startup. Power supply usually needs 380–415V three-phase, sized to the pump motors. A level concrete pad, or the container’s own frame, supports the unit. Seawater intake should sit away from harbor traffic and outfalls. Brine discharge needs a permitted outfall point, sized for peak flow. Chunke provides a detailed utility and layout drawing with every quotation. This lets your site team prepare civil works well before the container arrives.
Why Feed Water Analysis Matters
Every accurate quotation starts with a feed water analysis first. Seawater composition varies widely from one coastline to another. Red Sea and Persian Gulf water often exceeds 42,000 mg/L TDS. Open-ocean seawater, by contrast, typically sits near 35,000 mg/L. Temperature, silt density index, and organic content also matter greatly. Each factor shifts membrane sizing and pretreatment choices measurably. Sending Chunke a water analysis lets engineers size the system correctly. This step avoids the risk of an undersized, underperforming plant.
Operating Cost and Maintenance
Running cost depends mainly on energy, chemicals, and membrane replacement. Energy typically forms the largest single line item. With energy recovery fitted, expect roughly 3.0–4.0 kWh per m³. Pretreatment chemicals add a modest, predictable monthly cost. Membrane elements generally last three to five years with proper care. Routine CIP cleaning, done on schedule, extends that lifespan further. Spare parts from named brands also stay available for years. This keeps long-term operating cost predictable and manageable for buyers. Chunke can supply a projected operating cost sheet with each quotation. That sheet breaks energy, chemical, and membrane cost down clearly. Buyers use it to compare total cost of ownership across suppliers fairly.
Warranty and After-Sales Support
Chunke backs every 10 m³/h SWRO system with a standard equipment warranty. Membrane elements and pumps carry the manufacturer’s own warranty terms as well. Our team keeps critical spare parts in stock for fast dispatch. We also provide startup checklists, operator training material, and troubleshooting guides. Video support calls handle most day-to-day questions after commissioning. For larger issues, our engineers can travel on site when required. This ongoing support is why many customers return for their next plant. Long-term partnership, not a one-time sale, drives how Chunke supports every client.
Watch Our 10 m³/h SWRO System in Action
Watch the video below to see a Chunke system running live. It shows the process from seawater intake to finished product water.
Why Choose Chunke for Your 10 m³/h SWRO System
Chunke designs, builds, and factory-tests every SWRO system before shipment. Performance on site therefore matches what our engineers promised on paper. We use named, traceable component brands instead of unbranded parts. This choice protects spare-parts availability for years after commissioning. Our team supports commissioning remotely or on site, whichever suits you. Every unit also ships with full documentation for local operators. For more on our manufacturing scope, visit Chunke Water Treatment. You can also browse related systems at Chunke RO Water Plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water does a 10 m³/h SWRO system produce per day?
It produces roughly 240 m³, or 240,000 liters, of fresh water daily. That figure assumes the system runs at rated capacity continuously.
What seawater TDS can the 10 m³/h SWRO system handle?
The standard design handles feed water up to 35,000 mg/L TDS. Higher-TDS sites, such as the Gulf region, need a custom membrane array.
Can the 10 m³/h SWRO system fit inside a container?
Yes. Chunke builds this capacity into a standard 20ft container easily. A 40HQ container suits projects needing extra pretreatment room.
How much power does a 10 m³/h SWRO plant consume?
With an energy recovery device fitted, expect roughly 3.0–4.0 kWh/m³. Without one, consumption typically runs higher across the whole system.
How often should the RO membranes be cleaned?
Most sites need a CIP cleaning cycle every three to twelve months. Feed water quality and fouling rate both affect that schedule.
What is the typical lead time for a 10 m³/h SWRO system?
Lead time depends on configuration and current production schedule. Please share your feed water analysis and site details for an accurate estimate.
Which pump brands does Chunke use on the 10 m³/h system?
Chunke typically fits Grundfos or Danfoss for the high-pressure pump. CNP pumps usually cover raw water, booster, and dosing duties.
Should I choose a skid-mounted or containerized 10 m³/h system?
Choose containerized for remote sites needing fast, self-contained deployment. Choose skid-mounted when you already have a covered equipment building.
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