Desalination plant disadvantages

The primary disadvantage with FO is typically the input energy needed in step 2 to recover the water from the draw solution. The novel aspect of this project is to eliminate step 2 by to using seawater or thermal brine to draw water from the produced water and then directly discharge the diluted seawater/brine into the Arabian Gulf. This is particularly applicable in Qatar since both the desalination plant and the produced water from the gas fields are in close proximity to each other. 

TABLE 33 Advantages and Disadvantages of Desalination Plant Colocation... 

Saline Water for Municipal Distribution. Only a very small amount of potable water is actually taken by people or animals internally, and it is quite uneconomical to desalinate all municipally piped water, although all distributed water must be clear and free of harmful bacteria. Most of the water piped to cities and industry is used for Htfle more than to carry off small amounts of waste materials or waste heat. In many locations, seawater can be used for most of this service. If chlorination is requited, it can be accompHshed by direct electrolysis of the dissolved salt (21). Arrayed against the obvious advantage of economy, there are several disadvantages use of seawater requites different detergents sewage treatment plants must be modified the usual metal pipes, pumps, condensers, coolers, meters, and other equipment corrode more readily chlorination could cause environmental poUution and dual water systems must be built and maintained. 

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