More efficient production line with Desalination plants using reverse osmosis

Abstract

Abstract We introduce the present article with the intention to define the most efficient production line for reverse osmosis seawater desalination plants. We show the relationship between the cost of desalinated water per cubic meter according to the production capacity, verifying a scale economy as the production rises significantly. The destination of this article is within the reach of small desalination plants in the range between 500 and 15,000 m3/day in the Canary Islands Autonomous Community. Specified range is the most established in the Autonomous Community. Approximately, more than about the 90% of the desalination plants have a production capacity corresponding to the selected range. The methodology used consists of calculating each one of the costs involved in the seawater desalination process, applying actual prices, and obtaining a graphic serial according to prices tolerance, from −5% to a value of +5%. Concerning staff costs, we have recovered data from the iron and steel industrial secto...