Seawater Desalination the heated push for the future Reverse osmosis (RO) vs.Distillation Who will be the freshwater champ of 2004? By Robert Bennedsen and Chris Stoll By Robert Bennedsen and Chris Stoll
Who in the world would use this? Southwest Florida Water Management District Southwest Florida Water Management District Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia Bahrain Bahrain Several counties in California Several counties in California 7,500 world wide! 7,500 world wide! 60% is in the middle east 60% is in the middle east
Is the United States using it? Yes, states like California have used this process due to the growing number of drought seasons in the state. Yes, states like California have used this process due to the growing number of drought seasons in the state. 12% of the total water separated is in the United States. most of which are in Florida and the Caribbean. 12% of the total water separated is in the United States. most of which are in Florida and the Caribbean. However with the higher cost of producing water production plans have been limited. However with the higher cost of producing water production plans have been limited.
Why is it important? Why is it important? -Countries such as Iraq have little fresh water. -They depend on other sources to make fresh water. -Seawater is the most abundant resource. -Reduces the dependence on natural fresh water.
Process Reverse Osmosis (RO) Reverse Osmosis (RO) Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) ea/ro.html ea/ro.html ea/ro.html ea/ro.html
How does it work? Reverse Osmosis (RO) Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Is it efficient? Fuel costs are high. Fuel costs are high. Membrane changing is costly and requires shutting down the factory. Membrane changing is costly and requires shutting down the factory. Disposal of the salt/brine. Disposal of the salt/brine. (RO) removes unwanted contaminates. (RO) removes unwanted contaminates. - trihalomethane-precursors, pesticides, and bacteria. - trihalomethane-precursors, pesticides, and bacteria.
Limitations Energy Costs Energy Costs Pipeline Costs Pipeline Costs Concentration Disposal Concentration Disposal
Solutions Location of Desalination Plants Location of Desalination Plants Nanofiltration Nanofiltration Pressure Recovery Pressure Recovery
Collocation Power Plants Power Plants Method for Dilution Method for Dilution Heated Water Heated Water
Is it working? MSF RO Others total number of units MSF RO Others total number of units Saudi Arabia 3,449 1, ,253 1,137 Emirates 1, , Kuwait 1, , Qatar Bahrain Iraq