Systems and methods for compact, decentralized desalination of feedwater for point-of-use applications

A method of operating a desalination system, comprising:

• flowing a fluid through a conduit network through at least one reverse osmosis element, the conduit network having at least a loop and a permeate branch;
• and
• recirculating a fluid that exits the at least one reverse osmosis element through the loop and back into the at least one reverse osmosis element, the fluid flowing through a pump that is disposed within the loop,
• wherein a flow rate through the pump is approximately in the range of about 50 Liters per hour to about 200 Liters per hour.

A fluid desalination system, comprising:

• at least one reverse osmosis element having an inlet and an outlet;
• a conduit network that comprises a loop and a permeate branch, the loop being in fluid communication with the at least one reverse osmosis element to convey fluid passed through the at least one reverse osmosis element from the outlet to the inlet so the fluid enters the at least one reverse osmosis element again, and the permeate branch being in fluid communication with the at least one reverse osmosis element to receive fluid that has been desalinated by the at least one reverse osmosis element;
• and
• a pump disposed within the loop and configured to move the fluid from the outlet and towards the inlet, the pump having one or more one-way check valves disposed therein,
• wherein the loop is devoid of a one-way valve that is separately disposed from the pump.