Rotor positioning system in a pressure exchange vessel

A rotor positioning system for rotary pressure exchangers, comprising:

• a rotor with a central bore accommodating an axle affixed to end covers in each end having at least one pair of high and low pressure ports in communication with opposing high and low pressure end cover ports through coaxial rotor ducts and with sealing areas between high and low pressure ports,
• wherein the axle or central rotor bore has hydrostatic bearing features on each end with individual high pressure fluid supply manifolds on the axle connecting to the high pressure port of each end cover and separated by a hydrodynamic bearing surface, wherein a high pressure fluid flow drains into collecting manifolds recessed in each end of the central rotor bore, and
• wherein the end covers, rotor, and/or axle are made of an aluminum oxide ceramic.

A rotor positioning system for rotary pressure exchangers comprising:

• a rotor with a central bore accommodating an axle affixed to end covers in each end having at least one pair of high and low pressure ports in communication with opposing high and low pressure end cover ports through coaxial rotor ducts and with sealing areas between high and low pressure ports, wherein the axle or central rotor bore has hydrostatic bearing features on each end thereof with individual high pressure fluid supply manifolds on the axle connecting to the high pressure port of each end cover and separated by a hydrodynamic bearing surface,
• wherein the high pressure fluid supply manifolds are located at a distance from the respective axle ends giving similar flow resistance as in a drainage gap between the rotor and the end covers, and
• wherein the end covers, rotor, and/or axle are made of an aluminum oxide ceramic.