Development of Web Based Computer Package for the Simulation of Thermal Desalination Processes

Abstract

A computer package based on visual basic code is developed for single and multiple effect evaporation desalination systems (SEE and MEE). The package features design calculations of heat transfer area, power consumption, and costing. The package is user-friendly and is equipped with interactive menus for report and form printing, file saving and retrieving, help files, and tutorial. The computer code is designed to run a default design case and also allows the user to change variables within pre-specified practical ranges. A rigorous process model is used in the package, which is based on detailed fundamental material and energy balance equations, well-proven correlations for the heat transfer coefficients, physical properties, and thermodynamic losses. Illustrations of the package displays are presented together with a number of case studies. Model predictions generated from the code are validated against actual field data and they showed a very good agreement. Future plans involve development of design simulator for the multistage flash desalination (MSF) and reverse osmosis (RO).