Techno-Economic Study on the Application of Reverse Osmosis Technology in the Process of Boiler Feed Water Demineralization PT Puncak Jaya Power 3x65 MW

Abstract

The quality of boiler feed water in a Coal Power Plant generation (PLTU) needs to be considered to avoid corrosion and deposits (scale) on process equipment. Decreased water quality causes several disturbances as such disruption of power plant operations and also regeneration of the ion exchange unit is required quite frequently. This study aims to evaluate the performance of boiler feed water demineralization system with the addition of RO unit and the effect of implementing RO system on chemical consumption in demineralizer regeneration process, as well as determine long-term economic benefits. The research was conducted in the demineralization building area of PLTU PT Puncak Jaya Power 3x65 MW, a power plant owned by PT Freeport Indonesia, located in Amamapare Village, Timika, Papua. This research is divided into two phases: technical evaluation based on research data that will be optimized using the Water Application Value Engine® (WAVE) software, and economic evaluation. Good results are obtained by adding an RO unit to the boiler feed water demineralization unit. Its application allows reducing operating costs and implementing higher level water treatment automation. The chosen RO module configuration is 2 stages with 6 vessels, offering several advantages: % recovery = 70%, high average flux = 22.5 Liters/m2/hour, longer membrane life with the additional filter, reduced load in the first stage. The results of the economic evaluation indicate that the reduction in chemical consumption for ion exchange regenerant will yield 218% return on investment (ROI) with an amortization period of two years.