Performance of the 12,000 m 3/d seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia January 1979 through January 1981

Abstract

The operation and maintenance of the world's largest seawater reverse osmosis plant has been largely consistent with expectations. The maintenance down time has been minimized by prompt identification, evaluation and correction of problems. Despite unanticipated mechanical and corrosion problems, the plant has shown a high on-line factor demonstrating the durability and flexibility of spiral-wound elements. In summary, the Jeddah installation has demonstrated that the spiral element can and will function well under varied and adverse circumstances, and that RO is a viable process for seawater desalination with excellent prospects for the future.