Optimization of reverse osmosis networks for seawater desalination
(EN)
Marinos-Kouris, D
(EN)
Maroulis, ZB
(EN)
Voros, N
(EN)
A design method for reverse osmosis seawater desalination systems has been developed. It incorporates rigorous mathematical models for the prediction of the performance of the various process units (reverse osmosis modules, pumps, energy recovery turbines) employed in the flowsheet and takes into account the network structure using an appropriate superstructure. Therefore, it offers a flexible representation of the reverse osmosis network. Cost equations that relate the capital and operating costs to the design variables as well as the structural variables of the designed network have been introduced. The total cost of the plant is minimized in order to determine the optimal operating and structural variables. The model is accurate enough to describe the process and yet simple enough to be used for design purposes. During the simulation and optimization studies several structures for multistage reverse osmosis systems have been investigated. Results concerning the economics of the process are presented. Optimal results have also been used for the derivation of design curves concerning the effect of quality and quantity of produced water to the total annualized cost of the plant.
(EN)
